****ing ball joints!!!!!!!!!

waldershrek

waldershrek

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Jun 6, 2010
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Started the rest of my front end upgrades today. This has been the day from hell. Started work at 8am this morning. ****ty impact gun I currently have wouldn't touch any of the bolts. Didn't have the right size socket for the axle nut so I had to run to sears (20 minutes away) and get one. Finally got back only to find axle nut was stuck, broke two breaker bars trying to get that off. Went and got a contailer of map gas and in combination with pb blaster and another breaker bar finally got the axle nut off.

Got the brakes off decent enough but the hub would not come off. Used a series of chisels to work it loose which took FOREVER but it finally came off. I thought the hard part was over.....wrong.

Got the top ball joint out easy enough but the bottom one will not come out. Tried the press, pounding on it, heat, pb blaster, floor jack (just lifted the whole truck up), tried Dropping the whole weight of the truck down onto the balljoint to force it out.......nothing worked.

It is now 8pm and I'm just getting in the house and very frustrated might I add. Mind you I've only messed with the right side. The drivers side I haven't even touched.

How the **** am I supposed to get this ball joint out!? I'm gonna check with some people I know to see if anybody has torches or knows where I can rent some because that the only way that ****er is coming out. :soap:
 
otc ball joint press makes it too easy. 8531. can get a cheap version from harbor freight.
 
Snap ring isn't there. That's already been removed. I like that drill idea though.....Probably really hard on the bit though. Might need several to get the job done.
 
I think your on the right track with the torches. As far as the wheel bearing assembly, I usually use a brass drift and a BMFH to pound on the studs from the back side. It seems to work pretty well and doesn't damage the wheel bearing.
 
Watch how hot you heat it to get the ball joint out. Could cost you more in the long run.
 
This is the reason I haven't replaced mine with a tad of slop in them. :D I hope things get better for you!

Just don't lose your patience and break something expensive...like I normally do.
 
use the balljoint press. get it niiiiice and tight, almost to the point it starts stretching.

heat the area between the ball joint and control arm. (be VERY CAREFUL with too much heat on ball joint, grease burns, burning grease expands, shooting the tapered part up and out into your face.)

the beat the sucker carefully to not distort too much. you wont need to get it red hot, just warm, and it should start moving pretty well.
 
Called a local welding place yesterday morning, they came over with a truck and torches and I was prepared for them to cut them out. Guy says "Let me try something first". Gets out a different ball joint press with a shorter fitting for the top and he had a Milwaukee electric impact........bang! Popped right out. Charged me $50 and went on to the next thing.

So got everything put back together yesterday with no real problems spare for putting the sway bar upside down and having to take everything back apart to flip it around lol.

I have to bleed the brakes today but I already noticed the front end is WAY tighter. Feels perfect actually. Rides much better, turns better, smoother, tighter......just great all around. Not sure what to attribute it to though since I changed so many things. I did tie rods and track bar last fall so now the front end is brand new.

New tires will be here soon and my exhaust and raptor pump too.....hopefully they aren't as bad to put on!
 
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If your gonna replace the ball joints, just sawzall them in two. Then you can use a press on the unit bearing and such.
 
zstroken said:
If your gonna replace the ball joints, just sawzall them in two. Then you can use a press on the unit bearing and such.
Click to expand...

Yep. I fought them once and got pissed. Out came the Sawzall. I'll never change them without one again...
 
Glad to hear you got it fingered out. After doing my 01 I bought the ball joint tool. Sense then it's sat in my tool box, dad used it once on his dodge. I'd rather pay $120 or so for the tool than have to do them again if that's what it takes.
 
Well the crappy press I rented from autozone didn't even have the right adapter to allow me to do the bottoms. I don't plan on doing them within the next ten years so I can't justify buying a press.
 
It's been 7 years since I've had all 4 of mine done under warranty and they are still tight as a drum. No play at all.
 
waldershrek said:
Well the crappy press I rented from autozone didn't even have the right adapter to allow me to do the bottoms. I don't plan on doing them within the next ten years so I can't justify buying a press.
Click to expand...

I bought a press from harbor freight, it works just as good as the otc I have at work and it only cost me $30.
 
Get yourself a small oxy set from lowes or a welding store. They come in handy for A LOT of things!
 
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