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Ball joint time

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Hi all! It's soon ball joint time for me. In my research some say you need a $300+ tool set to do them. If that's the case I might as well pay a shop to do it but I like to do my own work. I've never done these but I did on my F2504x4 and I remember the loaner tool from Advance didn't have big enough parts to handle a larger joint like that. I have access to an arbor press and can make cups and stuff in the machine shop. Do I really need a ball joint press? Can't I just take the nuts off and hammer the joint loose from the axle and then take the whole knuckle and put it in an arbor press? Is there a write-up anywhere on this or for those familiar can you give me a step by step or any tips like which to take out and put in first? Top or bottom. That way I won't spend so much time in trail and error. I'm not worried about getting the unit bearing and axle out, been there too many times, just the ball joint part. Thanks!

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I can offer you this. I did mine with the same set as shown, but I dont remember having angled spacer so some beating was required for removal of the lowers as I recall. 

 

Replacing_Ball_Joints.pdf

 

Also the press kit came from Advance Auto and I could have returned but kept it for future use. $150

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    I can offer you this. I did mine with the same set as shown, but I dont remember having angled spacer so some beating was required for removal of the lowers as I recall. 

     

    attachicon.gifReplacing_Ball_Joints.pdf

     

    Also the press kit came from Advance Auto and I could have returned but kept it for future use. $150

    I have to add mine is an 02 and I believe differs from your 99 as far as removing some of the parts, rotor,ect.

    • Author

    Thanks Dripley! That gives me an idea, only these are upside down compared to my 99. Mine will stay in the knuckle so I should be able to put the whole knuckle in the arbor press. I may just try a Harbor Freight set. It had many good reviews including a few from guys who used it on F250's which I think are similar to ours in size. Any 99 guys have any tips?

    Edited by dave110

    I can offer you this. I did mine with the same set as shown, but I dont remember having angled spacer so some beating was required for removal of the lowers as I recall. 

     

    attachicon.gifReplacing_Ball_Joints.pdf

     

    Also the press kit came from Advance Auto and I could have returned but kept it for future use. $150

     

    great write up. Question when reinstalling axle nut what torque did you use?

    great write up. Question when reinstalling axle nut what torque did you use?

     

    I cant take credit for the write up, I stumbled across it somewhere but don't remember where. As far as the torque I would look it up in the FSM or a Haynes manual or such. Don't have either with me at the moment.

    The cups work, you just need to buy some tubing that'll fit.

     I had nothing angled in my set, everything was square as I recall. it worked great other than that.

    • Author

    great write up. Question when reinstalling axle nut what torque did you use?

    180 ft lbs

    I need Michael to go through my front end. I'll bet everything is toast.

     

    If it is all OE it probably all needs replacing. It is not difficult just a little time consuming. All pretty much bolt on and off. Some beating is required and decent pullers help.

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