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Ball joints came out! Is this an isolated case or a problem?

Jeepsterfreak

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You should contact DANA and send them pictures.

It’s possible those ball joints were not firmly pressed into place from the factory.
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Solidaxle

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We should be getting results on this soon with the huge number of people putting 37’s and 40 inch tires on their new Wrangler’s if there is a problem , we will know about it.
 

Solidaxle

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Bent or not Bent , We’re all guessing at this point. Nobody’s guesses are more valid than the other persons guesses nobody has superpowers or x-ray vision so we’re all equal at this point. When we get actual facts and evidence that proves something then we can proceed.
 

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ALRUI

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And frankly, a screw job by FCA. I wouldn't buy one (especially in this case) to give them more money on what should have been either a no-cost or low cost option on Rubicons. I know they needed FAD to meet EPA standards and placate a lazy, uneducated public as well as satisfy been counters, but there's no reason for it to be $4300 (or whatever the projected price is) to put the axle in that should have come on the Rubicon in the first place for those who know anything about wheeling.
What does the FAD do actually? If the transfer case is in 2HI wouldnt the front axle be disconnected on a 4X4 anyway? Sorry to sound ignorant but my F150 has no FAD, etc.
 

ALRUI

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FAD is front axle disconnect. On older Wranglers (TJs and JKs), the front end was always being ground driven (unless it was old enough to have manual hubs, CJs). The YJ used a CAD (center axle disconnect) that was vacuum operated and prone to breakage. The vacuum lines were a problem, but the housing was prone to breakage due to the CAD side being two pieces pressed into the cast CAD system...just like the FAD.

So to answer your question....depends on the vehicle, but most "4x4s" with auto hubs are going to either have the front shafts spinning in 2wd (though not powered by the Tcase unless it's AWD or "full time" 4wd) or will have some sort of disconnect and that disconnect is typically a failure point.

The reason for the disconnect over hubs is likely the American consumers' lack of understanding as well as laziness, but is also driven by EPA regulations to get better fuel economy. In that regard, the simplest thing would be manual hubs....but again, the market drives the "convenience" of autos.
Good info! I remember our old Bronco had manual hubs, worked great except the occasional muddy boots from having to get out and actuate them after getting stuck in 2WD:)
 

Jeepsterfreak

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What does the FAD do actually? If the transfer case is in 2HI wouldnt the front axle be disconnected on a 4X4 anyway? Sorry to sound ignorant but my F150 has no FAD, etc.
The FAD disconnects the passenger side axle. This prevents the pinion and ring gear from spinning therefore prevents the front driveshaft from spinning while in 2H.

The passenger side axle shaft has been chopped in half and uses a sliding collar that connects it when shifted into 4WD.

This FAD setup causes the internal diff spider gears to rotate instead of the ring and pinion. I guess this is more efficient than having the front drive shaft spin. Less mass to overcome.
 

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James

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3 piece axle designs do this a lot....granted, the thin tubes on the JK were prone to it as well. Also, how "bent" is it? It's not uncommon for a housing to be bent 1/8" at the ends and not be really 'out of spec'.
Hey
Not sure
The dealership is telling him it’s bent.
 
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James

James

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Did we ever get any updates on the bent or not bent axle ?
Hey

The dealership is telling him it is bent because of the way the Jeep is setting. They did not take any measuresments
 

Sean K.

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Super stoked about these. Need to decide if we're doing the two piece FAD or one piece eliminator.
 
 



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