Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly 8-97235777-0 8-98005827-0 For ISUZU D-MAX TFR TFS 4x2 (2002–2012) — Ø17.5mm Cone, M14×1.5 Thread, 4-Stud, Front Upper Both Sides

The Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly with OEM references 8-97235777-0 / 8-98005827-0 (condensed forms 8972357770 / 8980058270) is a verified direct-fit front suspension component for ISUZU D-MAX 4x2 (TFR/TFS) pickups from 2002–2012. This ball joint is the upper pivot that connects the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing the suspension to articulate while maintaining correct wheel alignment geometry. It serves both left and right sides in the front upper axle position.

The part is widely cross-referenced under Febi 197681, SWAG 33 11 2687, Apec AST0222, Borg & Beck BBJ5593, and First Line FBJ5593, with technical data confirming a Ø 17.5–17.6 mm stud cone, M14 × 1.5 external thread, and a 4-stud (4-hole) mounting flange. Reference weight is approximately 0.74 kg.

• 4x2 Application Verified: Kapimsan catalog explicitly lists 8972357770 / 8980058270 under “ISUZU / D-MAX (4x2) 2002 →” with position “Eje delantero, ambos lados, arriba” (front axle, both sides, upper). YEC cross-reference table maps 8-97235-777-0 to D-MAX (4×2) via reference CBIS-20.
• Cone Size Verified: Ø 17.5 mm (First Line / Borg & Beck) and Ø 17.6 mm / 20 mm (SWAG dual-cone data) — consistent with nominal 17.5–17.6 mm classification.
• Thread Size Verified: M14 × 1.5 — confirmed by Apec AST0222, SWAG 33 11 2687, and First Line FBJ5593.
• Mounting Hole Count Verified: 4 stud/rivet holes — confirmed by Euro4x4parts (4-stud upper for D-MAX 1 8DH 2007+) and Apec AST0222 (number of mounting bores: 4).
• Weight Verified: 0.74 kg — confirmed by SWAG 33 11 2687 and RIDEX 2462S0376.
• Position Verified: Front Axle, Upper, Left and Right — confirmed by SWAG (“superieur, Essieu avant gauche, Essieu avant droit”) and Kapimsan (“ambos lados, arriba”).
• OE Cross-Reference Density Verified: 8-97235777-0, 8-98005827-0, 8972357770, 8980058270, 8-97235-777-0, 8-98005-827-0, 8-97365018-0, 8973650180, 97235777, 98005827 are consistently grouped as interchangeable/related references across DEAUTO, Spareto, Euro4x4parts, Oscaro, and multiple European catalogs.
• Brand Cross-Reference Verified: Febi 197681, SWAG 33 11 2687, Apec AST0222, Borg & Beck BBJ5593, First Line FBJ5593, Monroe L20J06, RIDEX 2462S0376, ABS 220729, OCAP 0405570, SPIDAN 50547, ALTE 84737AL, MERTZ M-S1501, NAPA NST0222.

• Clunking or popping from the front upper suspension: A worn upper ball joint allows the control arm to shift under load, producing a metallic clunk over bumps or during steering input — the most common early symptom on aging D-MAX 4x2 pickups.
• Vague or loose steering feel: Excessive play in the upper ball joint translates to steering free play and reduced directional stability, especially noticeable at highway speed.
• Uneven or accelerated front tire wear: A worn upper ball joint changes camber and caster angles, causing shoulder wear, cupping, or feathered edges on the front tires.
• Squeaking or creaking over bumps: Loss of internal lubrication or a damaged boot allows contaminants into the ball socket, producing audible friction noise.
• Visible boot damage or grease loss: A torn or cracked dust boot is the leading cause of accelerated ball joint wear — if the boot is compromised, the joint should be inspected and replaced promptly.
• Wheel alignment that cannot be brought into specification: A ball joint with excessive axial or radial play prevents correct camber/caster adjustment, indicating the joint itself must be replaced.

• 4x2 vs. 4x4 is the first check — hole count is the physical differentiator: This ball joint has 4 mounting holes and is the 4x2 variant. The 4x4 upper ball joint (8-94374-424-0 / 8-98005-826-0) has 3 mounting holes and is not interchangeable. Confirm the original unit’s flange hole count before ordering.
• OE number family: 8-97235777-0 and 8-98005827-0 are treated as interchangeable for the same 4x2 upper position. 8-97365018-0 and 8-98005-827-0 are also grouped in the same functional family across Euro4x4parts, Spareto, and DEAUTO. Read the original unit’s marking where possible.
• Upper vs. lower: This is the upper ball joint. The lower ball joint uses a different reference (e.g., 8980058750 / 8-98005-875-0) and is not interchangeable.
• Model-year boundary: The confirmed window is 2002–2012 for the TFR/TFS platform. Later D-MAX generations (2012+) may use a different upper ball joint specification. Do not assume interchangeability across model years without VIN confirmation.
• Alignment is mandatory: After replacing any front suspension ball joint, a professional wheel alignment is required to restore camber, caster, and toe settings.

1. Confirm drive type and hole count first: Verify that the vehicle is a 4x2 and that the replacement joint has 4 mounting holes. Compare the cone size (Ø17.5–17.6 mm) and thread (M14×1.5) to the original unit.
2. Safety first: Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before raising the vehicle. Support the front corner securely on jack stands.
3. Support the lower control arm: Place a jack under the lower control arm to relieve tension on the upper ball joint before removal.
4. Separate the ball joint from the knuckle: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut. Use a ball joint separator to press the stud out of the knuckle. Do not hammer on the knuckle or ball joint housing — this can damage the taper or crack the knuckle.
5. Remove the ball joint from the control arm: The joint is secured by 4 rivets or bolts. If riveted, drill out the rivets carefully or use the appropriate press tool. Note the orientation for reassembly.
6. Clean the mating surfaces: Remove all dirt, rust, and old thread-locking compound from the control arm and knuckle tapers. A clean taper is essential for a secure fit.
7. Install the new ball joint: Bolt or press the new 8-97235777-0 / 8-98005827-0 ball joint into the control arm. Do not grease the taper unless specified by the workshop manual.
8. Reconnect to the knuckle: Insert the stud into the knuckle taper, install the castle nut, and torque to the workshop manual specification. Install a new cotter pin.
9. Grease the joint (if equipped with a grease fitting): Use the specified chassis grease until fresh grease purges from the boot. Do not over-grease — excessive pressure can rupture the boot.
10. Professional wheel alignment: Mandatory after ball joint replacement. Camber, caster, and toe must be reset to specification.
11. Road test: Test drive at low speed, listening for abnormal noise and checking for steering pull or vibration before returning the vehicle to service.

• Inspect ball joint boots at every suspension service or every 20,000–30,000 km — a torn boot is the leading cause of premature ball joint failure.
• Check for play by raising the front wheel and attempting to rock the tire at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Any detectable play warrants replacement.
• Grease the joint (if equipped with a fitting) at every oil change or according to the ISUZU maintenance schedule.
• Replace in pairs when possible: If one upper ball joint has failed, the opposite side is likely at a similar wear stage. Replacing both simultaneously maintains balanced suspension performance.

• Standard packing: Neutral carton with protective wrapping; customer-branded packaging available on request.
• Package contents: 1 × Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly. Castle nut and cotter pin included in some brands (SWAG reference includes castle nut) — confirm inclusion at inquiry. Mounting bolts/rivets may or may not be included.
• Set options: Single ball joint / front upper pair (left + right) — specify at inquiry.
• Suitable for: ISUZU D-MAX 4x2 suspension repair shops, 2WD pickup fleet maintenance departments, spare parts distributors, and export wholesalers serving Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
• Related parts available: Lower ball joint (8980058750 / 8-98005-875-0), upper control arm, lower control arm, tie rod ends, and complete D-MAX 4x2 front suspension rebuild kits.