bad ball joint
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: hamden,CT
bad ball joint
My truck needs a new ball joint on the front right passenger side. Its a 95,250 HD with a Dana 50 front.ive never changed one before and IM no mechanic but I can turn a wrench.how do I get the ball joint out and put the new one in?I need to change it soon its shaking pretty bad. 
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
Without going into a detailed step by step here, the best bet is to go to the autoparts store and pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual for your truck. They have pictures and step by step instructions and will let you know of the tools you will need to do the job. If you get stuck on anything while you're doing it, you can always ask about it here. 
Pick up a ball joint pickle fork and a tie rod pickle fork (smaller), a pair of snap ring pliers, a 4wd hub tool, and a tub of disc brake wheel bearing grease and soak anything rusty in WD40 the night before you start on it. Having a torque wrench will be helpful and taking it to a shop to have the old joints pressed out and the new ones pressed in is easiest.
If it's shaking that bad, there are likely other ball joints that are worn too and you may as well replace all four if your budget allows. Also look at your tie rod ends while you're down there and now would also be a good time to put on some new brake pads and have the rotors turned if needed.
Good luck with it, be patient and have fun!
Pick up a ball joint pickle fork and a tie rod pickle fork (smaller), a pair of snap ring pliers, a 4wd hub tool, and a tub of disc brake wheel bearing grease and soak anything rusty in WD40 the night before you start on it. Having a torque wrench will be helpful and taking it to a shop to have the old joints pressed out and the new ones pressed in is easiest.
If it's shaking that bad, there are likely other ball joints that are worn too and you may as well replace all four if your budget allows. Also look at your tie rod ends while you're down there and now would also be a good time to put on some new brake pads and have the rotors turned if needed.
Good luck with it, be patient and have fun!
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