REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

NOTE: The upper ball joint and upper control arm must be replaced as an assembly on 1987–95 Pick-ups.

1. Elevate the vehicle and support it safely on jackstands.
2. Remove the upper control arm — refer to the procedures in this section.
3. Remove the ring and boot from the ball joint.
4. Remove the snapring from the upper ball joint by using a pair of snapring pliers.
5. Press the upper ball joint out of the upper control arm by using tools MB 990800–2–01, MB 990800–3–01, MB 990800–4–01 and MB 990799–01, or equivalent installing tools.

   Fig. 1: The internal construction of the upper ball joint — all Pick-ups and Monteros except for 1987–95 Pick-ups

   Fig. 2: Remove the dust cover, then use a pair of snapring pliers to remove the snapring from the upper ball joint

   Fig. 3: Use special Mitsubishi tools, or their equivalent, to remove the upper ball joint from the control arm — all Pick-ups and Monteros except for 1987–95 Pick-ups

   Fig. 4: Install the upper ball joint so that the mark on its side lines up with the center line of the control arm — all Pick-ups and Monteros except for 1987–95 Pick-ups

6. Align the mating mark on the upper ball joint with the upper arm center line.
7. Press the ball joint in using the same tools that were used to remove the ball joint.
8. Using a pair of snapring pliers, fit the snapring securely in the groove of the joint case. If the snapring is loose, install a new one.

   NOTE: Limit the opening of the snapring to a minimum.

9. Apply the multipurpose grease to both the interior of the dust cover and the upper ball joint. Apply 3M ART Part No. 8663 or equivalent sealant to the grooves in the upper ball joint. Secure the dust cover to the upper ball joint with a ring.
10. Install the upper control arm — refer to the procedures in this section.
11. Lubricate the ball joint with a grease gun.
12. Adjust the riding height if equipped with a torsion bar and align the front end.