I am getting ready to do the ball joints on my party bus (aka 2000 X 4x4). Has anyone used the harbor freight ball joint press ($50) vs the autozone press (free if you dont break it)? The autozone one looks too light duty, and the harbor freight looks a little better but may need some adapters made.

The good news is I have a lathe and can make adapters or sleeves if needed. the bad news is both the autozone and HF presses dont look like they are up to Excursion/F-250 size ball joint jobs. Anyone use either one without destroying it?

 

Find a tire shop that also does front end repairs and see if they'll let you use their press. It just might be cheaper than HF or Autozone.

Stewart

 

Can't get much cheaper than free and that's what Autozone is. I used the Autozone 'rental' press to do the balljoints on my 2000 F250. It worked great, no problems at all, they came right out. I used their lifetime balljoints as well and picked up all the seals from the dealer. Just remember to make your seal driver from a 4" pipe flange ala Home Depot.

 

Did my front end about a year ago with the Autozone loaner. They work fine.

 

The the Autozone press press worked just fine and you return it in one piece and get your money back and all the adapters are there.

 

Copy that on the auto zone press did mine too.