Front end work

[77_Jimmy]

Was under my Jimmy doing an oil change . While the oil was draining I was checking stuff out. I need to replace u joint in axle shafts , since I have to take so much stuff off I going to change out other stuff. Rotors should I buy new hub and rotors or just the rotor ? If I go just the rotor route is there a way to press the rotors off and on in my garage or do I have to go to a machine shop ? Also ball joints , can I do it or go to machine shop. Also , what's everyones favorite battery ? Thanks.

 

[British Slave]

You can change the rotors in your garage. Are you sure your old ones can't be turned? If you get new rotors, be sure and have them turned to be sure they are true.
Never changed the ball joints, so I can't help you there.

 

[77_Jimmy]

No my rotors are warped to bad to be turned. What do you use to remove your rotors from the hubs?

 

[77_Jimmy]

I know how to do this stuff by the book. What I'm looking for is someone that knows shortcuts and do things with out special tools or going to a machine shop.

 

[British Slave]

All I did was knock the lugs bolts out and hit the rotor to knock it off. Put the new one on and use some spacers and reseat the lug bolts and new rotor. I used air impact to do the work.

 

[77_Jimmy]

Thanks I'll give that a try.

 

[rufusbooth]

ball joints, not hard but time consuming.

tools to do it at home:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4065

and

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7080-Drive-Spanner-Wrench/dp/B0002SRDEG

I prefer to use the moog joint at least on the top. Reason being it is the only one I have been able to find that has the zerk fitting on the side instead of the bottom. other joints can not be lubed because the zerk will not fit between the ujoint and the ball joint.


Secrets:
when pressing out or pressing in the joints put pressure on them with the c-vice and tap the knuckle with a hammer while tightening. it helps things move significantly easier in both directions.

use the spanner wrench to tighten the preload adjuster sleeve to 50 ft/lbs. I had a hell of a time finding that specification.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Oh, Favorite battery, optima.

Cheers,

Rufus


P.S. that service kit goes in the truck with me every time I wheel. It is useful in more situations than just changing ball joints.

 

[77_Jimmy]

Thanks for the links and info great stuff.