Ball joint install
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
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Ball joint install
I don't have a press, what would be the best way to get them in with out one? Heat up the metal around the hole before I drop them in? Thanks. I can't wait to get this beast back on the road.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
You can not do this job without the proper tools. You will only ruin your new ball joints. You need a ball joint press. I have done it with a big azz C clamp and small pieces of pipe. But it was a bear. Look at it this way, if you have the tools to tear down the axle and get to the ball joints, you should add a ball joint press to your tool set as well. That's just the way I think about it. However, I do know that a standard press you get from Harbor freight does not have the correct cup to finish the install correctly. It only comes in the deluxe set. So you are looking at over $100 in tools if everything is on sale.
The alternative, take your knuckles off, and take them to a machine shop with the new joints. I'm not sure how much they would charge to install them, but I can't imagine it would be too much. However, if you call and ask them, and they say $95.......I'd buy the tool and do it myself. This is all just my opinion, but there it is. I've done the job several times, and without the press you are beating your head on a wall.
The alternative, take your knuckles off, and take them to a machine shop with the new joints. I'm not sure how much they would charge to install them, but I can't imagine it would be too much. However, if you call and ask them, and they say $95.......I'd buy the tool and do it myself. This is all just my opinion, but there it is. I've done the job several times, and without the press you are beating your head on a wall.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
The ones I got before weren't big enough to get the joints back in. I was able to press them all out but couldn't use it properly due to size restrictions to get them in. Took the joints and knuckles to a machine shop and they did it for like $20 or $30.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,792
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From: Richland, WA
(At least not on my truck.)
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Junior User
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Took them to a shop. all done. Just hate paying someone else for things I could do if I had the proper tool. Anyone know the torque specs for the d60 bearing caps?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Richland, WA
Side Bearing Caps = 80-90 ft-lb
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I have the proper ball joint press & rarely use it ...
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