Ball Joints - do 'em myself???
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Dryden US
Ball Joints - do 'em myself???
Hey guys. '92 Ford F150 1/2 ton. So, I have no air compressor or impact wrench, but I can probabily get my hands on one. I've been told to rent a spring compressor also. But, more so, I've been told to have someone else do them.
Thoughts?????
This weekend I have 3 days to pull off this trick. I'm assuming you do upper and lower at the same time, on both sides. Anyone have any good web-pages on how to replaces these? I don't think my Hanes manual outlines it real well, from what I remember.
Give some advice! I know no one in my hometown who has done these themselves, but there's a first time for everything....
Thanks!
bpsigchi
92 F150 1/2 ton
Thoughts?????
This weekend I have 3 days to pull off this trick. I'm assuming you do upper and lower at the same time, on both sides. Anyone have any good web-pages on how to replaces these? I don't think my Hanes manual outlines it real well, from what I remember.
Give some advice! I know no one in my hometown who has done these themselves, but there's a first time for everything....
Thanks!
bpsigchi
92 F150 1/2 ton
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 97
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From: Brighton, MI
I just did mine a month ago. Its on a different truck, but it isnt hard at all. Make sure you get a ball joint too, I believe auto zone rents them out. As for the compressor and air tools. you dont need them, however... they would make the job a little faster.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,127
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From: (near) Denver USA
Even with the considerable cost (approx $100-150) of a proper ball joint tool kit, you will save money over paying someone to do just two of them (e.g., upper and lower on one side) for you.
Autozone has a procedure described on their web site:
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d800a9fe1.jsp
Autozone has a procedure described on their web site:
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d800a9fe1.jsp
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Bass Lake, CA
HARBOR FREIGHT.
they have about 4 different ball joint tools, one made for 4x4....they are all between 40, and 60 bux, and offer normal hf quality...they will work however.
if you have an impact wrench (a good one!) and compressor, you also need a couple specialty sockets, large (1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8"?) plus spindle socket set. if you have this, or can get it, go for it.
the ball joint tool is also a u joint tool, and you will likely need it in hte future.
the first time i did it, i paid 95 bux JUST to get the joints pressed into hte knuckles!!!!!! that would have paid for the tool, and one of the ball joints (i was an idiot).
needless to say, i now have the tool, and the sockets.
good luck!
they have about 4 different ball joint tools, one made for 4x4....they are all between 40, and 60 bux, and offer normal hf quality...they will work however.
if you have an impact wrench (a good one!) and compressor, you also need a couple specialty sockets, large (1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8"?) plus spindle socket set. if you have this, or can get it, go for it.
the ball joint tool is also a u joint tool, and you will likely need it in hte future.
the first time i did it, i paid 95 bux JUST to get the joints pressed into hte knuckles!!!!!! that would have paid for the tool, and one of the ball joints (i was an idiot).
needless to say, i now have the tool, and the sockets.
good luck!
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
I second the Harbor Frieght idea. I bought their "cheap" kit ($35 I think) and was able to change the ball joints on my D44 with a couple different sockets as mentioed above. The thing practically paid for itself before I ever used it.
Oh yeah, make life MUCH easier on yourself and borrow some air and an impact. If you don't, you'll wish you did.
Oh yeah, make life MUCH easier on yourself and borrow some air and an impact. If you don't, you'll wish you did.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Dryden US
Thanks for all the advice guys.
So this ball joint c-clamp "press" is pretty useless on my truck. I'm srue there's multiple presses available, but out here in the middle of nowhere I don't have many options. I have the spindle off, finally, and managed to slam one of the joints out with a hammer.
The radius on the press from autozone is greater than the ball joint, so rather than putting pressure on the ball joint to press it out, it simply pushes up against the cast on the spindle.
Dark out and tired now.... 'think I'm going to try to find someone to press them out and in for cheap. If I take hte spindle off, hopefully it won't be too much $$.
Anyone else got any ideas??????????
You guys have been great! I apprciate all the help!!!!
Done had it up to here in Dryden
So this ball joint c-clamp "press" is pretty useless on my truck. I'm srue there's multiple presses available, but out here in the middle of nowhere I don't have many options. I have the spindle off, finally, and managed to slam one of the joints out with a hammer.
The radius on the press from autozone is greater than the ball joint, so rather than putting pressure on the ball joint to press it out, it simply pushes up against the cast on the spindle.
Dark out and tired now.... 'think I'm going to try to find someone to press them out and in for cheap. If I take hte spindle off, hopefully it won't be too much $$.
Anyone else got any ideas??????????
You guys have been great! I apprciate all the help!!!!
Done had it up to here in Dryden