MetalCloak is an American manufacturer based in California that has been designing and building off-road components exclusively for Jeeps for over two decades. Every part is CAD-engineered, laser cut, welded and finished in-house, and the company backs its structure and coating with a lifetime warranty.

Baller Joints, Knurled, Full Set - Jeep TJ/LJ, YJ, XJ, MJ, ZJ (Dana 30/44)

A complete set of heavy duty upper and lower ball joints for Dana 30 and Dana 44 axles. Ball joints are a wear item on the TJ, and larger tires with a lifted suspension wear them faster. Play shows up as steering shake and uneven tire wear.

The knurled version - for axles whose ball joint bores have already been opened up by an earlier replacement. The knurl provides an interference fit in the reamed bore, so the joint holds despite a worn knuckle. On a high-mileage TJ this is often the only sensible option short of replacing the knuckle.

Why rebuildable joints matter

MetalCloak joints are upper and lower bearing, captured, fully sealed, adjustable and - most importantly - rebuildable without pulling the axle. With factory TJ joints, wear means pressing the whole unit out, and on a twenty-year-old axle that can end with a damaged knuckle bore.

Specification

• Upper ball joint cap: 6061 aluminum hex
• Upper ball joint spindle: chromoly steel
• Upper ball joint housing: AISI 1045 steel
• Lower ball joint cup: AISI 1045 steel
• Lower ball joint spindle: chromoly steel
• Ball joint wrench included: 3/16" hot rolled steel
• Finishes: gold zinc, clear zinc, black anodize
• Fitment: Jeep TJ/LJ Wrangler 1997-2006, plus YJ Wrangler, XJ Cherokee, MJ Comanche and ZJ Grand Cherokee with Dana 30 or Dana 44 axles

Important limitation: the manufacturer states plainly that the TJ Baller Joints do NOT work with RCV axles. If your axle has RCV shafts, this set will not fit.

After installation: the manufacturer recommends a suspension specialist aligns the vehicle after any work on the suspension or steering.

Installation

Moderate. The manufacturer quotes 4-5 hours. A press is needed to remove the factory joints. An alignment is required afterwards. We can do this work in-house.

A note on vehicle age

TJs and LJs are now twenty to nearly thirty years old. Expect seized bolts and corroded frame threads when removing factory parts - soak the joints in penetrant beforehand and use anti-seize on reassembly. Several reviews of TJ parts are really about this rather than about the part.

We import this product directly from the MetalCloak factory in the USA. Please contact us for the current lead time before placing an order.

Warranty and service

MetalCloak backs its products with a lifetime warranty on structure and coating for the original owner. The warranty does not cover accident damage, incorrect installation or owner-performed modifications. As an authorised dealer we handle the whole claim process for you.

Why buy from us

Szekla4x4 is a Jeep-focused shop and workshop. We import MetalCloak parts directly from the manufacturer, advise on the right configuration for your model year and engine, and can fit the part in-house. If you are unsure about fitment for your vehicle, contact us before ordering - a VIN lets us confirm the match.