MOOG K3185 Front Lower Ball Joint for 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee/Wrangler JK

Vehicle Fitment

• 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (Laredo, Limited, Overland, Special Edition | 4.0L I6 / 4.7L V8 / 4.7L HO V8 | 4WD)
• 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK (Sport, X, Sahara, Rubicon, Unlimited | 3.8L V6 | 4WD)
• 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Unlimited | 3.6L V6 | 4WD)

Fitment Notes

• Fits all Jeep Wrangler JK 2-door and 4-door (Unlimited) body styles across all trim levels
• Replaces Jeep/Chrysler OEM part numbers: 68004085AA, 5012432AA
• Press-in mounting - a ball joint press tool is required for proper installation
• Uses a flush-type grease zerk fitting - a needle-style grease gun attachment (basketball-style needle) is required for servicing
• Must be greased at installation; MOOG recommends re-greasing every other oil change interval
• MOOG's limited lifetime warranty applies to stock suspension setups only - lifted applications are not covered
• Sold individually - order 2 for a complete front axle lower ball joint replacement
• Pair with MOOG K3134T (upper ball joint) for a complete front ball joint service

Features

• Problem Solver Metal Gusher Bearing - metal-to-metal design actively circulates grease through the bearing surface to reduce friction and extend service life
• Oversized housing engineered to provide a secure press fit even in worn or enlarged control arm receptacles
• Integrated dust boot design seals internal components more effectively than the original external boot, reducing contamination risk during installation and in service
• Heat-treated hardened steel ball stud meets or exceeds OE strength requirements to resist premature failure under off-road loads
• Greaseable socket with flush-type zerk fitting allows periodic lubrication to flush out contaminants and extend joint life
• Full 360-degree stud articulation for consistent steering response on and off the trail
• Engineered steel composition for improved structural strength over standard OEM designs
• Backed by MOOG's limited lifetime warranty for stock suspension applications

Specifications

• Position: Front Lower (Driver & Passenger Side - sold individually)
• Mounting Type: Press-In
• Adjustable: No
• Greaseable: Yes (flush-type zerk - needle attachment required)
• Boot: Integrated dust boot (current design)
• Boot Material: Neoprene
• OEM Cross-Reference: 68004085AA, 5012432AA (Jeep/Chrysler)
• Interchange: 45D2292, BJ96086, FA301, FA2194, 104301, 260-1554, 535-574, JBJ919, MK3185
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime (stock suspension, professionally installed)

Included Components

• 1x Front Lower Ball Joint (press-in)
• 1x Castle Nut
• 1x Cotter Pin

Product Description

The MOOG K3185 is a front lower ball joint for the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) and 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, covering all trims and engine configurations across both platforms in 4WD. The lower ball joint is a well-known wear item on both platforms - particularly the Wrangler JK, where off-road use, larger tires, and lift kits accelerate wear significantly. Common symptoms of a failing lower ball joint include clunking noises over bumps or during slow-speed maneuvers, steering wander or shimmy, and uneven front tire wear. MOOG's Problem Solver design directly addresses the known shortcomings of the OEM joint with a metal-to-metal Gusher Bearing that continuously circulates grease through the bearing surface, and an oversized housing that seats securely even in worn control arm receptacles.

The integrated dust boot design in the current production K3185 provides a more robust seal than the original external boot, reducing the risk of contamination during installation and in daily or trail use. Because the grease zerk is a flush-type fitting, a needle-style attachment is needed for a standard grease gun - MOOG recommends greasing at installation and re-greasing every other oil change to maintain both performance and warranty coverage. Press-in installation requires a ball joint press tool. For a full front suspension refresh, pair with MOOG K3134T upper ball joints. Note that MOOG's limited lifetime warranty covers stock suspension setups only - lifted configurations are not covered under warranty.