Which u-joint press
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New User
Joined: Mar 2008
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Which u-joint press
I just bought the u-joint press from harbor freight (the $34.99). Their flier advertizement that came in the box shows a press for "4-wheel drive" for (45.99 or so). I have a 4x4. What's the difference between the two? I plan on doing ball joints also.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,970
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
If I am looking at the right item, I consider that tool for pressing ball joints into an a-arm, not for u-joints. I have one of those big 20 ton presses from HF now, but I pressed a many a ball joint before that using a vise and a socket.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 480
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From: Elyria, Ohio
They differ in the number and kind of adapters supplied. I bought the 4x4 kit as well; lasted for one ball joint on my 95 F150. C-clamp cracked in half on second balljoint. Metal looked crystalline inside. I then bought their master adapter kit and a 20 ton press. I also use a Big forged C-clamp that was my grandfathers; as well as his vise and some sockets for u-joints.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2008
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I bought the 3 in 1 kit to do the 4x4 front axle u-joints. It is also for ball joints. Apparently u-joints can be done with simpler tools. I found this link which is awsome to explain this job - - only tools required are a screwdriver, hammer and pliers.
Pirate4x4.Com - Installing a Ujoint
I was going to do the ball joints too on my '95 F150 because the right side was done years ago (at a dealer for $800), and I figure they should be done. I'm not so sure as I'm hearing about the broken C-frame (probably aluminum if the metal is crystaline, and mine feels "light" relative to the size of the thing). It would be a shame to have gotten to this point and not try to do them.
If anybody has a similar link to a step-by-step ball joint for a F150 upper and lower ball joint replacement as good as above link, please post it.
Also,
The ribs on the shaft have a deep score on it. I will add the picture if I can figure out how to post it. Do I need to replace it? How much is the short axle new?
Thanks
Pirate4x4.Com - Installing a Ujoint
I was going to do the ball joints too on my '95 F150 because the right side was done years ago (at a dealer for $800), and I figure they should be done. I'm not so sure as I'm hearing about the broken C-frame (probably aluminum if the metal is crystaline, and mine feels "light" relative to the size of the thing). It would be a shame to have gotten to this point and not try to do them.
If anybody has a similar link to a step-by-step ball joint for a F150 upper and lower ball joint replacement as good as above link, please post it.
Also,
The ribs on the shaft have a deep score on it. I will add the picture if I can figure out how to post it. Do I need to replace it? How much is the short axle new?
Thanks
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 95
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From: Portsmouth, OH
I used the harbor Freight 3 in 1 to do the ball joints on my 89 F150. They were the original ball joints so they were in there pretty tight. Ended up using my impact wrench on the press to get them off. It wasn't that hard of a job once I got the joints off.
As for u-joints, I use a c-clamp and sockets. Works every time.
As for u-joints, I use a c-clamp and sockets. Works every time.
Last edited by trgrhappy; Jun 20, 2008 at 06:33 PM. Reason: added additional info
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 296
I bought the 4065-4vga 4WD kit from harbor frieght.
It did the ball joints, the steering u joints as well as assist in replacing the axle pivot bushings.
The key to NOT breaking the c clamp is to tighten the clamp up, put a fair, but not excessive amount of pressure on it and them lightly but firmly tap either or both ends of the c clamp (or threaded shaft as the case may be) with a hammer a few times. Then tighten some more, then repeat. Don't try to press it out all in one shot.
It did the ball joints, the steering u joints as well as assist in replacing the axle pivot bushings.
The key to NOT breaking the c clamp is to tighten the clamp up, put a fair, but not excessive amount of pressure on it and them lightly but firmly tap either or both ends of the c clamp (or threaded shaft as the case may be) with a hammer a few times. Then tighten some more, then repeat. Don't try to press it out all in one shot.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 797
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From: ohio
thats the key tighten alil then tap. I did ball joints on my truck with just the adaptors that came with the press. It also worked good on pushing out rear spring bolts in the leaf springs
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
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I like the benefit of using the press because you can typically take the tool to the work, where as if you use a vise you must take the work to the tool.
With the vise method, the work most likely must be supported.
With the press, the work can lay on the bench.
Just a matter of convenience and sometimes ease.
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