hmmm.. it sounds like your making sure the joint is in the right place... sometimes when i am making joints if i forget to check where the joint is in the top,side and front views it goes wonky like your describing... the only other thing i can think of is if you have Sherical falloff zones turned off in the joint parameters window..that sometimes did it for me i'm kinda new to this as well.. sorry i can't be more help. hope you figure it all out soon