Mr.T

Driver:
0.027 up/down play (lower joint test limit 0.050)
Zero lateral play (upper joint test limit 0.060)

Passenger:
0.028 up/down play (lower joint test limit 0.050)
Zero lateral play (upper joint test limit 0.060)

The up/down play was using the full vehicle weight on tire vs jacked with tire hanging. Setup the dial indicator, then slowly jack up the axle.

This is probably a good preventative maintenance check for any Wrangler. Have to admit I was expecting more wear. Can't find what it was a couple years ago, but from memory it was about the same. Also checked the play in the steering links, and it's pretty close to zero.

It isn't common to post non-problem data, but figured it might be of interest.



Side notes:
The speed sensor bracket is a good place to attach a small mag-base for a dial indicator looking at the relative movement at the top of the "C".

RonJenx started a nice thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...esults-116058/ with a balljoint cutaway. The taper used in the upper balljoint explains the zero play measured there.

jedg

Always good info from you. I still go back to your battery test information.

jadmt

Good to see...mine are still solid at 53000. When mine eventually wear out I'll replace with oem. i think some people think they are not supposed to have any up down movement I know one shop owner tried to tell me that.

karls10jk

My factory units lasted into 100k miles even with an effective backspace of 2" for many of those miles. They're not necessarily the junk they're claimed to be. Thank you for posting this.

ronjenx

Here is a graphic of what play to check for. I measure mine every 10K miles or so. My original ball joints lasted a little over 76K miles.

Gman*2007

Thanks for sharing, great info.

silverbullet88

I'm at 51000 in a 2010 Rubi. 4.5in backspacing and 35's for 10k miles. Zero play