We used one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335
to do upper and lower ball joints on a 2000 Silvarado this weekend. We were able to remove all four old ball joints without much problem using this tool with an Ingersoll-Rand 1/2" impact(both upper and lower control arms have to come off the pickup).
We went back with Moog parts and the new ball joints have a ridged edge which made installing the uppers a no go with this tool and the impact. We had to take both to town and get them pressed in. The mechanic at the local tire store said the Moog parts fit tight enough that their tool won't handle them either and they have to resort to a press.
The biggest gripe we have occured when we tried to do the uppers. The installing tube was "off tolerance" enough that it allowed the large bolt to start trying to thread itself in to the installing tube. This made it get out of alignment.
We also used one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980. It was impossible to place them opposite each other as per the instructions because of space limitations around the spring. We got by with the tool but it was after much struggling and !@#$%^&*()_+=-}{'':;<>?/.,. This tool probably works well for struts when you can have the whole thing removed and laying in the floor or on a bench with plenty of room.
to do upper and lower ball joints on a 2000 Silvarado this weekend. We were able to remove all four old ball joints without much problem using this tool with an Ingersoll-Rand 1/2" impact(both upper and lower control arms have to come off the pickup).
We went back with Moog parts and the new ball joints have a ridged edge which made installing the uppers a no go with this tool and the impact. We had to take both to town and get them pressed in. The mechanic at the local tire store said the Moog parts fit tight enough that their tool won't handle them either and they have to resort to a press.
The biggest gripe we have occured when we tried to do the uppers. The installing tube was "off tolerance" enough that it allowed the large bolt to start trying to thread itself in to the installing tube. This made it get out of alignment.
We also used one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980. It was impossible to place them opposite each other as per the instructions because of space limitations around the spring. We got by with the tool but it was after much struggling and !@#$%^&*()_+=-}{'':;<>?/.,. This tool probably works well for struts when you can have the whole thing removed and laying in the floor or on a bench with plenty of room.
