[dodge82273]

agreed , tighten the bottom nut , then the sleeve to ? 40 pounds , RAP the knuckle near the upper , ( seats it ?)
then tighten the top nut tight like and other tapered deal . The GM FSM for the d44 shows a fella with a spring pull foot pound gauge attached where the center link goes , says a max of 25 pound pull . THAT FSM does NOT even give a torque spec on the sleeve ... just that 25 max pound pull , btw its the same axle dana 44 ..

 

[dodge82273]

yes , the sleeve need be just so snug , too much and you loose power assist to the stiff rotation of the knuckles and wear the upper before the lower . that must be why GM.'s service manual for the dana 44 ball joints shows a picture of measuring the turning resistance of the knuckle ... If you need  I will post up a photo of that FSM instructions on that sleeve deal . just say the word . 25 foot pounds resistance at the cross link's taper socket.

I'll guess 40 foot pounds on the sleeve socket after a rap on the knuckle to seat it .

 

[dodge82273]

spring resistance ?? NOOOO the only spring is TOOL like you weigh a fish with , you pull on the spring . ehhh wait I'll post a photo . ok see the guys hand pullin the spring TOOL ? chevy also used the spicer/dana model 44 axle , same as dodge except maybe the rotors etc . the final drag / resistance to the steering is the necessary end result of the tightness/looseness of that sleeve . so put this pic on a P/C and click on it , it should enlarge it enough to read/see .....worn d44 ball joints steer real easy , new too tight sleeves steer real hard .  GM BOOK says lower nut 70 foot pounds , upper sleeve 50 foot pounds / with spanner tool , upper nut 100 foot pounds (never back off a taper to install cotter pin , goes for all taper socket steering stuff like tie rod ends etc ) Me ? as you approach 100 foot pounds check the pin hole stop when tight and "close enough" BUT then ,I don't use a torque wrench on spark plugs either .