I am going to tackle the front ball joints tomorrow. Any suggestions, tips, tricks or pointers? Both sides, top and bottom.

I have one of those c-clamp type ball joint presses I borrowed from a friend.

 

Other than pack your lunch. Even with a good press you are in for a job.

 

As Danny says, you're in for a job. I hope you have an extra set of hands or a good work space. I've done mine twice and the second time wasn't any easer than the first. Don't be afraid to swing the hammer and use the penetrating oil.

 

How hard can it be? It looks so easy in all the Youtube videos! LOL
I hope I have some good news later this evening.

 

It's not hard but it is labor intensive. I've watched quite a few youtube videos that made things look easier than what they actually are simply due to the experience of the technician working on them and having all the exact right tools on the spot. Danny is pretty doggone experienced and even he says it's a job.

 

LOL I have wore out more than 1 5lb. Hammer trying to break the spindle loose from the axle. Not the most approved method but it works. Other times one pop and it falls off.
Go figure.

If you think these trucks are bad try getting the spindle off a cherry picker or other heavy equipment where the spindle weighs near a 100 lb.

 

Job complete. I need to rest a bit. I will post some info and pics later on.

 

Wow.....I'm impressed. Maybe you need to post those youtube links because I can't even get done with one side in the time you did both. Great job

 

OK. It was much easier than expected. Removing the wheels was easy. The brake caliper and bracket was next, no problem. Then came the dust cap, not a real big deal, but a pia as it is recessed so far in the hub on a drw truck. Once the dust cap was off the spindle nut and outer bearing was next. Then I pulled the hub and my lower back was not happy about it either. I removed the dust shield and abs sensor next. After wrapping the spindle in some towels and rags I took off the tierod nut and hit the knuckle with a 3lb mall a few times and out came the tie rod. The upper ball joint on a 2wd truck has no threads, it slips into a camber adjuster and that is held in place by a bolt that squeezes it. Take out the bolt and pry the upper clamp apart a bit and it is as loose as is needed. The lower ball joint fell out after about 20 whacks. Both ball joints came out without issue by use of the ball joint press I borrowed from a friend. I then cleaned knuckle to make sure there was a clean surface for the new Moog ball joints to sit on. Pressing in the upper joint was as smooth as glass. The lower was a bit more of a challenge but nothing that could not be overcome. The press did not have a wide enough opening so I just used the press without a tube on the threaded side, the shaft of the ball joint fits through the press without interference. After a new snap ring and zerks were installed she was ready to go back in.

The passenger side went a bit quicker and smoother as I had already done it once. The lower ball joint for this side was missing the new snap ring in the package so I had to re-use the old one. After everything was all back together I greased the new joints and put zerk covers on to keep them clean for future greasings.

I think things went so smooth because this truck cae from the south and has no rust on it what so ever. I am sure a truck from the rust belt would take a lot more hammering and some heat.

I started around 8am and was finished by 11. I then spent a little over 30 minutes cleaning my tools and putting everything away.

I did go through lots of rags and gloves as the old joints were really greasy and very well worn.

Overall I was happy with the days progress and pleasantly surprised at how smooth and easy things went.

I did notice the passenger caliper has a torn piston boot. I am awaiting a price from Ficmrepair.com for new ones.

1st photo is the drivers side. 2nd photo is the passenger side.

edit : I forgot to add that it was mid 80s with 85% humidity and I am suffering a summer cold. Was not a fun morning at all, just smother than things usually go for me. I did not even have to run to the store to buy anything.

 

Beginners luck LOL. Actually you did exellent, the mechanic gods were smileing on you.

 

I forgot to add that it was mid 80s with 85% humidity and I am suffering a summer cold. Was not a fun morning at all, just smother than things usually go for me. I did not even have to run to the store to buy anything.

 

Aww thats not fair you got to make at least 2 trips to the store perr job[thats a rule]lol

 

I don't miss doing the ball joints on my 2wd. Had to do them twice within a few months. First time, the passenger side had a different size nut than standard, which no auto parts store or hardware store carried a socket for. After searching for a few weeks I was able to get it off with a pipe wrench.

Both times I was working in my driveway with no bench, no vice, and only hand powered tools. It was miserable. Plus having to repack the bearings and rotors with grease each time wasn't any fun either.

When it was time to replace ball joints and tie rods on my 4x4, I just paid to have it done. It was much more convenient.