Ball Joints Help
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 124
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Ball Joints Help
Hey fellas, all of my ball joints (the steering linkage ball joints and the ball joints on the knuckles) are pretty bad and need to be replaced. Being that I just ordered some 33s I figure I better git r done quick. So my question is, what is the best way to go about pulling them. At one time I pulled a knuckle and tried smackin a ball joint out with a hammer but couldnt git r. I know that is the wrong way so what is the right? Is there a special tool. I do have a pickle for and can get them apart but I need them out of the knuckles and steering linkages. The help is really appreciated. Oh, btw its a 76 f-150 4x4, just incase you didnt look at my name.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 6
From: Ketchikan, AK.
yes, you will need a ball joint puller. they are a press fit in the knuckle, and the puller doubles as a remover/installer. most parts stores will sell them, and its easier and cheaper just to buy your own, rather than have a stealership do it for you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Haha, they're a lot of fun to do. Yes, you will need a ball joint press, for rent at autozone. You'll also need a BFH and at least a can of penetrating oil. The steering linkage will be the easy part - you just bang it out for the most part. The ball joints require lots of disassembly of the front end. I'd pick up a haynes manual if you don't already have one.
Also - do NOT use heat on the knuckle. You'll ruin the temper and weaken the metal.
Also - do NOT use heat on the knuckle. You'll ruin the temper and weaken the metal.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 555
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From: Long Island NY
if you do a search in the superduty forum there is a great instructions just look a little i can't imagine them being that different from your truck but i am a rookie so i would check
if they are they same the instructions are dead on and have pics
if they are they same the instructions are dead on and have pics
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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alrighty, thanks bunches fellas. I do have a haynes manual but as far as the front end goes I could dissasemble and reassemble it in my sleep. From my stupidity of not lookin in it the first time. I broke an axle and when I replaced it along with all the seals and bearings but I didnt set the preload right and kept having to redo it until it was right.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
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