Installing Johnny Joints in the Upper Rear Control Arm 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[@xc8487]

I have an 02' KJ. Your DIY performance mods are a great motivation.

[@edjackson4389]

My WJ is lifted 3" in the rear and it destroyed my factory bushings in about 2 years. I found a good used oem upper arm and built a simple spacer that goes on top of the rear diff to space the arm up off the rear axle at the ball joint part 2-1/4". It was enough to keep the bushings out of a bind. Been like that for 5 years now no problems

[@martinbuilt]

Exactly what I would have done if mine had been lifted. Good job glad it worked out for you.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

I have the same rapid bushing wear on my wj ever since I lowered it with a set of springs from Hotchkiss. Clever solution . Thank you very much .

[@timothydean]

You are a very determined man . Good video

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you Timothy

[@bryanlail613]

Another great video, Martin!! Thanks!!

[@xmo552]

Agreed. Nice work. 👍😉

[@sl7v11n]

Love the custom work on your jeep, just got one from my sister and fixing it up, hopefully soon it'll look half as good as yours, great video, looking forward to viewing more vids bud

[@LZDEN]

excellent Martin,always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@charliedee9276]

I put a cheap replacement on my 04, took less than one year for Michigan roads to trash the bushings. I will be doing this.

[@jamesfurtney6592]

I took the challenge to replace my rear upper and lower control arms and ball joint on my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, after watching your video from about 10 months ago. I chose to buy new arms with bushings already installed. The lower arms and the two bolts on the frame of the upper arms were easy to remove. But there was no way, no matter how hard I tried or what technique I tried that I could loosen the bolts on the top of the rear end. I ended up having to call AAA to get it towed to a garage with a lift and better tools than I have to get it removed. So the whole thing took about a weekend. After watching this latest video I’m now worried about the new stuff I installed being garbage. The original equipment was made in Canada, and had one 100,000 miles on them. Like yours, my lower arms weren’t that bad but they did show some wear. I bought the replacement parts at Napa Auto Parts of about $500.00 The ball joint on my Jeep was totally shot. My point I guess is that I would hate to spend that money again in 10 months. I’m wondering if I should have gone with parts from the dealer now. I guess I can only wait and see if I have better luck than you did. Fingers crossed in Phoenix, AZ

[@martinbuilt]

I think you'll be okay. I which I had read some reviews on the AC delco bushings before I bought them and installed. Should have bought Moog or OEM Mopar.

[@jamesdewer]

Thanks for the input.

[@jamesdewer]

Dang nice work MB. Short of operating a mechanic shop, No one preps for a job like you.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@ctdope]

Hi Martin, question: If you lower the WJ however many inches, couldn't you just make a spacer with that same measurement to add to the bar, instead of the whole Johnny Joint job? I am lowering mine soon, but the Eibachs dont seem to be available now in USA, so I got a set of H and Rs from Germany. But they lower the front 2 in, and rear 1.8. The site didnt say that initially and by the time they answered my inquiry, the set was delivered at my door. So lets see how this goes. Thank you.

[@meowMago]

Martin Thanks! I am enjoying your great video. And I am following you in Korea.

[@martinbuilt]

You're welcome I do appreciate you subscribing there are more videos coming

[@dironizareyes596]

Awesome videos!! i just bought a 2004 jeep grand cherokee larado and its lifted.. i dont know if it was the previous owner who did the lift or of its stock. My truck does have a trail ready badge on the front fender. How do i measure the lift could be 4.5?? or 6 inch? my cherokee is higher than most i see on the road but not exergerated and do you suggest a spacer plate in between the center ball joint on top of diff to the boomerang A arm?? where can i get a spacer?? if needed. Can i send you my A arm and have you install these johnny joints??

[@omarjoselopezv2294]

Amigo cual es el codigo de rotula que utilizo para este video?

[@BANDIT198455]

I replace the entire upper control arm and right away I have with rattle that sounds like rubber bumping when I go over a bump it is really annoying. Then I checked it out and it looks like the bushing are floating in the arm creating the rattle. It was a Detroit axle part so I am staying away from them and will most likely follow your lead here.

[@joanschmuecker9259]

Great video. Very impressive elucidation skills!

[@martinbuilt]

Thanks Joan I appreciate that.

[@ediron847]

Whent u gonna made a video of just the jeep in and out and see all the work u done also the exahust how it sound hope u can made it

[@martinbuilt]

I will I promise I'd like to find a friend that's got a lift so I can also do some shots from underneath. I do know someone it has a lift that may have to give him a holler

[@ericklaguna1681]

Hey Martín, thanks for be a honest person and your table make mi crazy it move right to left...jaja

[@phennig2003]

Hi Martin, just curious how those flex jonny joints work out on the rear a arm. Would love to know the status

[@martinbuilt]

I would personally like to find a better quality Jonny joint for this I have had some troubles far as the c-clips staying in.

[@xc8487]

SuperPro Suspension makes a poly joint for those arms. I'm having a hell of a time finding a shop that will press them in though.

[@martinbuilt]

Do you have a part number or link to those bushings?

[@xc8487]

@@martinbuilt www.suspension.com/superpro/spf3669k

[@JohnD-dy5iu]

@@xc8487 They do works well

[@jamesdewer]

Thanks for the awesome tips!

[@Hermie_Adventures]

How are the joints now. Is it still nice and tight. Will these work on a 4"lifted WJ?

[@martinbuilt]

They are still working great but I would not recommend them for any lifted Jeep as they do not have the articulation they once had.

[@Hermie_Adventures]

@@martinbuilt thank you for reply.

[@42WallabyWaySydney]

I would think they could work fine if you use a spacer that isn't as thick

[@michaelrizzo5492]

Love your series on the WJ. I do have a question about road noise. Compared to a new SUV , how quiet is the Jeep at highway speeds? My WJ is my office. But I find myself taking my wife’s 2016 Honda Pilot on longer trips. I have street tires but the alignment is off. My radiator fan seems loud as well. I did put a quiet exhaust on it. Thanks

[@jamesdewer]

Hi I have a 2001 GC limited. Goodyear Wrangler SR-A stock sizes. It's as quiet as a luxury car. Oh yeah, you can use your huge vise as a press to get the bushings in.

[@sotos2428]

How you get out that bushing that easy?

[@rvmagnum5415]

I like a jeep with a little lift (2 in ) but That's a beautiful jeep.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I also have a 98 Jeep Cherokee XJ with 6.5' lift and 35" tires.

[@jamesfurtney6592]

Always great videos very helpful btw.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

Hey Martin !!! . . . it's been three years. How are those Johnny joints holding up?

[@martinbuilt]

Doing so well I've totally forgotten about them 🤔

[@TheFenixmedia]

Awesome! 👍🏻 Thanks for the video

[@martinbuilt]

No problem 👍thanks for watching.

[@Tdurrgt]

Can you also keep us updated on your death wobble. I replaced ball joints and inner and outer tie rods which has solved the major wobble but it still feels like it wants to go into that wobble and I just don’t know what it is. I know I need tires and an alignment and shocks but idk if that will solve that mini swaying wobble. What you think? I also hear like some clicking sounds when I hit bumps. Sounds like it’s coming from the dash but I can’t figure.

[@martinbuilt]

All those other things you mentioned shocks, tires and even toe-in on your alignment could contribute or cause death wobble.

[@Tdurrgt]

martinbuilt Thanks. I will attack those!

[@brackoncorbridge1966]

I've had dw from my rotors being warped. Replaced rotors and calipers and problem fixed.

[@novaprospekt1739]

If you've already replaced ball-joints and TRE's, then it is loose/worn trackbar bushings and/or control arm bushings, which will also contribute to sloppy and/or wandering steering.

[@martinbuilt]

@ I which I did

[@vinceamador5745]

martin enjoy your videos thanks for posting. i have a question for you about dodge 4.7 engine. i am replacing the head gaskets on my 02 ram 4.7. my question is. can i remove the heads without having to remove the chains? hoping to avoid that. thank you

[@martinbuilt]

I wish I could give you good news. Unfortunately you have to remove the timing cover in chain set. What are the sliders actually mounts to the Head. I've never actually done it myself open never have to. But I probably will someday when I put on set of performance heads.

[@laninaenana3611]

i would like to know where you got the parts to repair the bomerang please

[@martinbuilt]

these are the parts I used Currie Enterprises CE- 9112P-12 JOHNNY JOINT 2" Rod End with 1/2" Thru Hole (Externally Greased) amzn.to/2NbWyk4 And these are factory replacement part Moog K200428 Control Arm Bushing amzn.to/2CCk8Sg This is a good way to good by replacing the arm altogether 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Rear Upper Suspension Control Arm amzn.to/35KWLDP ACDelco Rear Upper Suspension Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly amzn.to/2T6ovMp

[@JohnD-dy5iu]

@@martinbuilt ec- 9112p- 12 Johnny joints 2” I can’t find them not on Amazon

[@pandawillymofo6518]

How much horsepower does your 4.7 make

[@brandanbouchez8412]

Is it really necessary to weld in if it is a tight fit

[@martinbuilt]

Probably not if you are able to machine it to a tight tolerance.

[@brackoncorbridge1966]

Hey u should of used heat to expand the upper control arm it's self and then tried to press it in.

[@JohnD-dy5iu]

ec- 9112p- 12 Johnny joints 2” I can’t find them. I think Amazon Take them off

[@martinbuilt]

Looks that way, try this link, they make the best stuff www.ballisticfabrication.com/collections/ballistic-joints/products/2-0-ballistic-joint

[@vg8606]

beautiful jeep

[@bobolsen7921]

havent seen anybody show how to correctly aligne that derectional bushing

[@انوررحيم-ص5غ]

اني من العراق معجب جداًفي اعمالك انك خبير

[@bjr2379]

2:37 I think I can, I think I can, I think I can... Lol

[@expendablesblackcrow1796]

Einfach wow👍👌

[@JohnD-dy5iu]

Johnny joins Can’t find them Seem like Amazon don’t it 😲.

[@martinbuilt]

Looks that way, try this link, they make the best stuff www.ballisticfabrication.com/collections/ballistic-joints/products/2-0-ballistic-joint

[@alessandromorenobardelli7401]

Hay 👍🤗🤗 Italy

[@timramich]

These aftermarket people just supply a generic bushing that's made to simply spin along the bolt's axis, not pivot perpendicular to that axis. This is a stupid design by Mopar. They could have just put those bushings 90 degrees from where they made them, and I think there wouldn't have even been an issues with the frame mounting part of it.

[@timramich]

It actually looks like it would work better on a stock height.

[@martinbuilt]

I like what you're saying about the 90 degrees Tim, It's got me thinking.

[@timramich]

@@martinbuilt Their design really bothers me. Another thing that bothers me is that none of the aftermarket rear upper control arms will work with a stock or lowered vehicle. They're only made for lifted vehicles.

[@xmo552]

@@timramich I've been looking for an adjustable rear upper for oem stock 0" lift height. This is what I've been able to find. Works on 2" - 7" of lift: www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/wj-adjustable-a-arm-short.html Needs minimum 4" of lift www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-suspension/jeep-suspension-control-arms-accessories/jeep-wj-grand-cherokee-99-04-control-arms/wj-rear-upper-long-travel-3-link-mount.html This is my favorite by far. It works at stock height. The others are bent to compensate for a lift. I'm just not sure if he's still making them. I want one. www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/endlessmtnfab-adjustable-arm-1149870/#/topics/1149870?page=1 m.facebook.com/pages/category/Motor-Vehicle-Company/Endless-Mtn-Fab-285082588203430/ If you find Endless Mountain Fab is still making them, please let me know.

[@JohnD-dy5iu]

@@xmo552 Thank you I do need the information Most mechanic don’t know

[@lpro-ceo1]

Good work use MOOG

[@mohawkmike142]

where the hell do you live with ZERO rust under a Jeep?

[@martinbuilt]

Las Vegas, NV

[@xmo552]

@@martinbuilt No rush under but sunburnt upper