Ball Joint Tool
Tuned
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 376
Likes: 22
From: Ustoned
I've used Lisle suspension tools on my Mountaineer and Dodge Charger with an air hammer to break out ball joints before. I've also used the standard tie rod end/ball joint tool with a 4lb shop sledge.
Griz
Griz
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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You're going to need a very very good ball joint press tool to do this, and I don't mean one of the ones from Harbor Freight.
In all honesty, when I replaced mine years ago, I took the knuckles to a local auto shop and had them press the old ones out and the new ones in, and I think they charged me $50/per knuckle.
In all honesty, when I replaced mine years ago, I took the knuckles to a local auto shop and had them press the old ones out and the new ones in, and I think they charged me $50/per knuckle.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2020
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[QUOTE=99powerstrokedF250;19630224]You're going to need a very very good ball joint press tool to do this, and I don't mean one of the ones from Harbor Freight./QUOTE]
Yes, hence why I was asking what tools people have had good luck with.
Since I am replacing the track bar ball joint it doesn’t make much sense for me to pay a shop to do the 4 knuckle joints if I have to end up doing the track bar joint myself anyways.
I’d rather buy a quality tool and get the job done myself.
I’ve seen the OTC tool, and it looks good, but not sure what additional cups I need for my truck.
Yes, hence why I was asking what tools people have had good luck with.
Since I am replacing the track bar ball joint it doesn’t make much sense for me to pay a shop to do the 4 knuckle joints if I have to end up doing the track bar joint myself anyways.
I’d rather buy a quality tool and get the job done myself.
I’ve seen the OTC tool, and it looks good, but not sure what additional cups I need for my truck.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
I bought a Astro pneumatic kit from Amazon for $130 and have done 3 or 4 with it. It comes with several cups and have been great. It is called the Astro pneumatic 7897 ball joint service tool and master adapter set.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 409
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From: Wasilla
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2020
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Here you go; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028QGT7W...v_ov_lig_dp_it Good Luck, Russ
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2024
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From: E TN
I've had a Harbor Freight ball joint press for decades now. Maybe they were made better back then but it has pressed ball joints where it was scary how much pressure I was putting on them. I do keep the treads on my pullers/presses lubed with high pressure lube and I do use an impact gun on them. Pressed the ball joints on my F350 2wd recently.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
I used a rental press from O'Reilly's to do ball joints on my F-250 and it was NOT the right tool. I had to use various pipe fittings and scraps of steel to make it work. Hard to explain without pics but some of the pieces weren't the right size. I believe there is a Ford specific adapter kit.
If I could do it again I'd pull the knuckles and take them to a shop to swap joints, unless I planned on doing ball joints a lot - then I'd get the right tool.
You should be able to get the track bar joint with the regular parts store / Harbor Freight tool. It's smaller and doesn't have the knuckle in the way.
If I could do it again I'd pull the knuckles and take them to a shop to swap joints, unless I planned on doing ball joints a lot - then I'd get the right tool.
You should be able to get the track bar joint with the regular parts store / Harbor Freight tool. It's smaller and doesn't have the knuckle in the way.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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I've had a Harbor Freight ball joint press for decades now. Maybe they were made better back then but it has pressed ball joints where it was scary how much pressure I was putting on them. I do keep the treads on my pullers/presses lubed with high pressure lube and I do use an impact gun on them. Pressed the ball joints on my F350 2wd recently.
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