ball joint press question.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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ball joint press question.
Im going to be changing the ball joints on my 97 f350 2wd. Will this toolnwork or do I need to get the extra kit along with it?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301750630206?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301750630206?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 286
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From: Sumter SC
I think I'd be leery of that one. Rented one from auto parts to do mine on sig vehicle, cost $250, had more adapters and was steel C-frame. Took quite a bit of force to get them out & in. That aluminium C-frame probably won't take stress.
New User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 10
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From: PA
Honestly you would be better off renting one from an auto parts. I did ball joints on a 2002 f250 with a cheap press like that and the spine of it bent like nothing. Instead of looking like a C it looked like a 3. They aren't even worth what they are asking. Just my opinion. We had rented it and it was $200 but when you were done with it you got your $200 back in full. It's a big chunk but 1000% worth it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 200
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From: Hillsboro, OR
Elder User
Joined: May 2015
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A c-clamp ball joint press being made of aluminum does not mean it won't take the stress. Aluminum is much stronger than most understand.
I bought one before I did the ball joints on my F-250, and I ended up only using it to remove the old joints. I ended up taking the steering knuckles and new ball joints to the local tire shop, and they pressed them in for a whopping $50. It would've saved me a bunch of money to just forego the press and pay them to remove the old ones, too. Food for thought.
I bought one before I did the ball joints on my F-250, and I ended up only using it to remove the old joints. I ended up taking the steering knuckles and new ball joints to the local tire shop, and they pressed them in for a whopping $50. It would've saved me a bunch of money to just forego the press and pay them to remove the old ones, too. Food for thought.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
You don't need a press to remove them. I have had an OTC press for 25 years that I bought used and it still works fine. I do not have the extra accessories, just pretty much what is in the kit you show. I second the autozone or advance tool loaner program, you pay for it, use it, and get your money back when you take it back.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Calgary
I've got the cheap Astro Pneumatic Tool co. kit to remove ball joints. First thing I did was to take a grease brush and greased the bolt to remove any resistance. Have used it a half dozen times in last 3 years, worked on my 89 f350 dually ball joints. I'm the guy who sprays and wire brushes anything rusty before I put a tool to it, also have a large selection of hammers to chose from. Cheap tools work if your easy on them, it's a pita sometimes but poor boy is broke boy not broken tool boy.
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