Tech Data

  • Axle trusses

    Trusses are welded on. Check our list for your axle first. There's no truss for the Ford 8.8.We make trusses for axles such as the GM 14 Bolt, Ford Super Duty Dana 60 and Sterling.There is currently no truss for the Ford 8.8.A truss is welded onto the axle tubes, so the axle should be stripped do...

  • Can you build or weld my axle?

    We can do the truss, gears and shave once the axle is stripped down.Strip the axle down and remove the brakes first.We can then help with the truss, gears and shave kit (shave labor and welding).Contact us with what you want done and we'll send an invoice.Still have questions? Call (520) 888-4441...

  • How tight? Adjusting the spanner nut

    2.63" joints: 65 ft-lbs. 2.0" joints: 25 ft-lbs. The number is also stamped on the spanner nut.Use the Ballistic spanner tool (BJ-672 for the 2.63" joint) on the spanner nut.Tighten to the torque listed on the spanner nut: 65 ft-lbs on 2.63" joints, 25 ft-lbs on 2.0" joints.Then back it off to th...

  • I'm not sure which axle I have

    Send us photos of the axle and cover and the year/make/model of the truck.Take clear photos of the differential cover (count the bolts) and the whole axle.Write down the year, make, model and engine of the vehicle.Send both to us. Some trucks of the same model come with different axles (for examp...

  • I need dimensions or a drawing

    Look at the last photo on the product page first. Most parts list their dimensions there.On the product page, scroll through the photos. The last picture is often a dimension drawing.Still missing a number? Tell us the part number and exactly which measurement you need (for example 'tube center t...

  • Installing a differential cover

    Clean, seal, bolt on, torque to 45 ft-lbs, fill with oil.Drain the old oil and remove the old cover.Clean the sealing surface on the housing until it's bare and dry.Put a gasket (or sealant) on the flange of the housing.Bolt on the new cover and torque the bolts to 45 ft-lbs.Fill with the correct...

  • Left-hand vs. right-hand thread

    Most links need one left-hand and one right-hand end so you can adjust the length.A right-hand (RH) thread tightens clockwise like a normal bolt. A left-hand (LH) thread tightens the other way.On an adjustable link, put a RH joint on one end and a LH joint on the other. Spinning the tube then mak...

  • My joints are loose, worn or clunking

    Usually fixed by re-torquing or a cheap rebuild kit. Wear parts aren't covered by warranty.First re-torque the spanner nut (see 'How tight?').Still loose? Install a rebuild kit (new races/bushings). For 2.63" joints that's BJ-673-1; for 3.0" Ultra Duty it's BJ-673-2.If joints keep coming loose fa...

  • Neck vs. no-neck ball: what's the difference?

    Necked-down balls bend further. No-neck balls are for mostly up-and-down movement.A "neck" is a step on the ball. The necked-down ball gives more articulation, about 11 degrees.The no-neck ball gives about 7 degrees and is meant mostly for straight up-and-down movement.Pick necked-down if the lin...

  • Rebuild parts: part numbers

    Quick list of the rebuild parts people ask for most.2.63" Ballistic Joint rebuild kit: BJ-673-13.0" Ultra Duty rebuild kit: BJ-673-2 (replacement ball: BJP-679-2)Spanner tool for 2.63" joints (3-pin): BJ-672Hardened spanner nut for 2.63" joints bought after 2015: BJP-675-6. Joints from before 201...

  • Shaving my ring gear

    Buy a pre-machined gear, or mail us yours. Turnaround is usually 3–10 days.Option 1: Buy a pre-machined gear for your shave kit from our website.Option 2: Ship us your ring gear by itself with your name, phone and email inside the box.We'll contact you when it arrives. Turnaround is usually 3–10 ...

  • Tie rod ends and heim joints

    Tell us the thread size, the taper, and what truck it's from.Our tie rod ends are GM 3/4-ton style, 7/8"-18 thread, with a .762"–.685" taper.Heim joints (rod ends) come in 3/4", 1" and 1.25", in left- and right-hand thread.To check fit, measure the thread size and the stud/taper on your old part ...

  • Tube adapters: matching tube to joint

    You need three numbers: tube outside diameter, wall thickness, and joint thread size.Measure the OUTSIDE diameter of your tubing (for example 2.0").Measure the WALL thickness (for example .25").Know the thread of your joint (for example 1.25"-12, left or right hand).Pick the adapter that matches ...

  • What grease do I use, and how often?

    We use Mystik JT-6 Hi-Temp Multi-Purpose grease. Grease the zerk at every oil change.Use Mystik JT-6 Hi-Temp Multi-Purpose grease (or an equivalent quality multi-purpose grease).Pump grease into the zerk fitting until you see it start to push out.Do it every time you change the vehicle's oil.Regu...

  • What is a shave kit?

    It cuts off the low belly of the axle housing so it doesn't hang up on rocks.The bottom of the differential housing is cut off and a thick new bottom plate and cover are welded on.This gives more ground clearance under the axle.The ring gear has to be smaller to fit, so you need a pre-machined (s...

  • Which Ballistic Joint size do I need?

    Measure your old joint first. Three numbers tell us exactly which one fits.Measure the joint WIDTH (how wide it is across where it bolts into the bracket). Our sizes are 2.0", 2.63" and 3.0" wide.Measure the BOLT HOLE through the middle ball (for example 9/16", 5/8" or 3/4").Measure the THREADED ...

  • Will this battery box fit my battery?

    Compare your battery's dimensions to the drawing on the product page.Measure your battery's length, width and height (or look up its group size).On the battery box product page, scroll to the last photo to see the box dimensions.Batteries with the same group size can be slightly different, so com...