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Planning a replacement for the upper and lower ball joints on the front of my '84 XJ6. I hear the newer XJ40 sealed design ball joints are the way to go - what is the current preferred brand and what year XJ40 do I need to order for? Does the XJ40 principle apply to both upper and lower, or just lower?
Also, any recommendations for the front sway bar end links? My bushings are pretty crusty looking. The bar-to-chassis mounts have already been replaced.
Finally, does the coil spring have to be removed to allow removal of the lower ball joint?
Rockauto has moog and TRW on close out. Application is XJ6 /XJ12/ XJS 1972-1995. Those are two brands I've used on many makes I own and I've not been disappointed. I'd by them even if they were not on close out. I've done many lower ball joints and spindle swaps and dont recall having to remove the spring. I think you can get away with a jack stand on the lower spring plate with the weight of the car. You'll know you're good when there is space between the upper control arm and the stoppers. Dont unbolt anything until there is.
I've used this end link kit a few times just for the bushing. They are a bit stiffer than the OE rubber and a bit softer than poly. You can cut the tubes to size and source some new bolts but I think I just put some spacers becasue they were a bit too long.
Last edited by icsamerica; Mar 27, 2023 at 10:02 PM.
When I owned a Series 3, I installed the XJ40-t ype ball joints, upper and lower. They are backwardly compatible right back to the Mark 2 saloons. You mustn't forget to tap out the bearing ring in the upright when removing the old lower joints. The new type are "fit and forget" (or almost), and last for a very long time, probably for as long as you own the car.
The OEM supplier were Lemforder. These seem to still be freely available as well as other after-market ones.
When I owned a Series 3, I installed the XJ40-t ype ball joints, upper and lower. They are backwardly compatible right back to the Mark 2 saloons. You mustn't forget to tap out the bearing ring in the upright when removing the old lower joints. The new type are "fit and forget" (or almost), and last for a very long time, probably for as long as you own the car.
The OEM supplier were Lemforder. These seem to still be freely available as well as other after-market ones.
Fraser, do you happen to have a part number? Is there a specific year for the XJ40 parts or were they the same from 1988-1994?
I ordered Lemforder from some place in England (I think the one that went out of business) and it was the default choice. I don't think it is even easy to find the old style anymore.
Front Ball joint replacement
