ball joints

[mbosmer]

I need to replace my wheel bearings and ball joints and was wondering if there is any special tools needed to do the job 1987 K5 4x4

 

[Chaddy]

I need to replace my wheel bearings and ball joints and was wondering if there is any special tools needed to do the job 1987 K5 4x4

You will needa spindal socket, a ball joint press, and a big hammer, sometimes a torch, and dont install in the wrong order. You might as well do your u-joints in the axle shafts while your in there.

 

[73k5blazer]

You'll need the magic hub (spindle) tool, to remove the wheel bearing retainers.

You'll need a Ball Joint Press

You'll need the Ball Joint sleeve removal tool

 

[goldwing2000]

The big hammer and torch that Chaddy mentioned is to remove the steering arm. It has to come off to get at the left upper ball joint.

You're also going to need a torque wrench, if you didn't guess that already.

 

[73k5blazer]

It has to come off to get at the left upper ball joint.

Really? I never removed my steering arm, I've done several D44's. Never did a D60, those have Kingpins though. Never any problems getting to it.

 

[Chaddy]

The big hammer and torch that Chaddy mentioned is to remove the steering arm. It has to come off to get at the left upper ball joint.

You're also going to need a torque wrench, if you didn't guess that already.

I actually put the heat on the ball joint itself....

 

[mbosmer]

Where would be the best place to get the tools?

 

[goldwing2000]

Really? I never removed my steering arm, I've done several D44's. Never did a D60, those have Kingpins though. Never any problems getting to it.

That's strange. I've never been able to get the receiving sleeve past the steering arm. Do you do your ball joints with a ball joint press or a hydraulic press?

 

[73k5blazer]

The ball joint press,just like the one pictured.

 

[goldwing2000]

Cool. I'll have to try that next time. Taking that damn steering arm off is a pain in the ass.

mbosmer: You can usually find the tools at any decent auto parts store. You can rent the ball joint press but I would recommend buying the spindle nut socket. You'll need it again.

 

[86dieselburb]

Ok since I'm in the same boat, needing to replace ball joints on me 44. Can someone explain the process to preload the upper balljoint? I'm sure the originating poster would need this info as well.

Thanks

 

[86dieselburb]

Ok found how to do it. Pretty simple.

"Then you need to install the Ball Joint adjusting sleeve (also called upper ball stud split ring seat) into the top of the yoke and tighten that down to 50 Ft-Lbs using a special spanning wrench which (Product # T40207) I bought at 4wd.com for $20. This sleeve is meant to set the pre-load on the ball joint."

http://members.cox.net/rough-riders/tech_page/dana30/dana30.html

 

[goldwing2000]

Yep. Don't forget to torque the lower to 30 ft-lbs first.