2High4U
1/2 ton status
Does anyone know if the factory ball joints on my 73 blazer are pressed in or can i get them out with a fork?
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
ball joints
- Thread starter 2High4U
- Start date
They are pressed in, they come out easy with the ball joint remover tool. (Looks like a giant C-Clamp). I think the tool is available at autozone or the like through their free rentals, and I know most rental tool places have it too. It was like $75 to buy.
There's this magic tool... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=4065 DON'T get the cheap one ($39.99) ... it's a POS. I've had good luck with this one though. -- A2High4U said:
Leper
1/2 ton status
IIRC they are all pressed in. I use the cheap harbor freight tool(for everything). I have to file the threads on it every once in a while.2High4U said:
divorced said:
need pics. i have never seen a broken b/j press from impact gun use. wow.
MuddQueenK5
Registered Member
I just recently did mine last night. The C-Clamp method and mini sledge hammer method did not work at all for me. I had to go to my local car place and get them pressed out.
I don't have any pics, I just put it all back in the box and returned it to the Zone to get my deposit back. It didn't have the correct adapters, so I just let the end of the clamp touch the knuckle, but it wasn't square and broke some of the end off and cracked it. It wasn't break-in-half type carnage though.sweetk30 said:
spearchucker
1/2 ton status
Not done from a impact gun but by hand. This is one of those b/j presses from Harbor Freight after about a half dozen uses.sweetk30 said:
2High4U
1/2 ton status
wow that is interesting never seen one of those break!
mountainexplorer
1/2 ton status
So if you are able to take balljoints out and put new ones in with just a hammer and a pipe wrench, what does that mean?
I was expecting to need a special clamp or press too, but somehow made it work with limited tools. Was I just lucky?
I was expecting to need a special clamp or press too, but somehow made it work with limited tools. Was I just lucky?
lucky...??
I've changed many sets of 4X4 ball joints..I have a crude homebuilt "press" thats just a rectangular square tubing frame made of tubing and two 3/4 threaded rods I can but a bottle jack in..but I only used it on cars and 2wd trucks a few times so far..most times they pop right out with a few blows from the BFH..they aren't a real tight press fit in most cases..even when I did use my "press",I only used muffler adapters as spacers to push the ball joints out,and they didn't even squash any..
I've always been able to use my BFH and a pipe to get them in and out on 4x4's..so far anyway..have to use disgression when installing the new ones,don't beat the P*** out of them,and make sure they go in straight,and they will go right in..a little grease helps them slide in easier..that fancy tool is nice if you can afford a good one,like an "OTC" tool one,or Snap-On..don't waste money on China crap!..
I've changed many sets of 4X4 ball joints..I have a crude homebuilt "press" thats just a rectangular square tubing frame made of tubing and two 3/4 threaded rods I can but a bottle jack in..but I only used it on cars and 2wd trucks a few times so far..most times they pop right out with a few blows from the BFH..they aren't a real tight press fit in most cases..even when I did use my "press",I only used muffler adapters as spacers to push the ball joints out,and they didn't even squash any..
I've always been able to use my BFH and a pipe to get them in and out on 4x4's..so far anyway..have to use disgression when installing the new ones,don't beat the P*** out of them,and make sure they go in straight,and they will go right in..a little grease helps them slide in easier..that fancy tool is nice if you can afford a good one,like an "OTC" tool one,or Snap-On..don't waste money on China crap!..
