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- - Lower ball joint install (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=763722)

SeanB242

05-13-2018 01:38 PM

Lower ball joint install

Just curious if you guys press them in or will tightening the nut onto the spindle press it in? What method do you guys use. Thanks

Mike C

05-13-2018 01:44 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

If you want to own tools like I do, buy a Harbor Freight balljoint press. If you just need to Git-R-Done, rent one from the parts store you buy the balljoints from. A lot of them loan the tools, you just leave a deposit.

HO455

05-13-2018 01:49 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

Always pressed mine in. The other way I have never heard of. You would have to fabricate some kind of spacer to fit between the bottom of the spindle and over the top of the ball joint. Tighten it down then remove the spacer and assemble the boot on the ball joint. It seems like a bunch of extra work to me. But others may have tried it.

CastIron

05-13-2018 02:24 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

I use an OTC 7249 ball joint press. It also works well on U-joints. And they are only about $105 online. Not a bad price for a made in the USA tool. They are very good quality.

demian5

05-14-2018 12:12 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanb242 (Post 8260324)

just curious if you guys press them in or will tightening the nut onto the spindle press it in? What method do you guys use. Thanks

Must use a press to do it correctly and safely.

hewittca

05-14-2018 02:37 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

I just did mine with the rental tool from the local parts store. I can't imagine any way in which tightening down the ball joint nut on the spindle would pull the balljoint into place.

Bigdav160

05-14-2018 04:40 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

I have a Snap On BJP1 but I am a tool junkie.

Trying to pull the joint in with the nut will be a disaster.

Wrenchbender Ret

05-14-2018 05:22 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

If you have the lower control arm off, you can use a regular bearing press.

demian5

05-14-2018 05:34 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret (Post 8261060)

If you have the lower control arm off, you can use a regular bearing press.

Smarty pants...

phat69

05-15-2018 10:14 AM

Re: Lower ball joint install

place the lower ball joint in its hole and lift the weight of the truck with the jack on the ball joint. The take your BFH and hit the control arm until it is seated.

davepl

05-15-2018 10:29 AM

Re: Lower ball joint install

I was having some trouble with mine, kept slipping on the press, so I took them to a trusted ancient mechanic who has every tool, device, and press known to man. He actually has a lighted SnapOn display cabinet they gave him with pullers and presses.

He promptly took a big f'n hammer and whacked it 3 times and it was in. Protect the bolt, that's all I remember!

I actually have a ball joint press and I know he has the same one, but the hammer seems to work for the lowers especially well.

Rufas

05-15-2018 12:00 PM

Re: Lower ball joint install

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl (Post 8261518)

I was having some trouble with mine, kept slipping on the press, so I took them to a trusted ancient mechanic who has every tool, device, and press known to man. He actually has a lighted SnapOn display cabinet they gave him with pullers and presses.

He promptly took a big f'n hammer and whacked it 3 times and it was in. Protect the bolt, that's all I remember!

I actually have a ball joint press and I know he has the same one, but the hammer seems to work for the lowers especially well.

Ah the 'old big f'n hammer'. Gota love em.

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