I finally am going to do the ball joints on my 2000. I have found a couple of write ups on later model trucks on CF and the like. Does anyone know any tricks or tips for my model year. I talked to a friend who did them on a 94 CTD 2500 4x4 and he said he had to engage the 4x4 before pulling the passenger side axle to prevent the linkage from falling apart???? Any way I am going to start with it tomorrow morning. ThanksChris

Yeah I might end up buying one just to do mine... http://quad4x4.com/Ball%20Joint%20Tools%20for%204x4's.htm It would be a full days worth of driving just to barrow a tool... 3 hours down and 3 hours back for Autozone...

Mike, Here is the kit I purchased from Amazon with free super saver shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-7897-Service-Tool/dp/B00061SGZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1276472742&sr=8-1 I did not have any issues with it bending at all, and it has plenty of adapters for other jobs as well. The major difference I can tell is that Quad's setup has the "correct" instead of "universal" adapters, and the press has a larger opening circle which will be helpful doing big U-joints. Also the opening dimensions of the quad press are larger compared to the astro. But like I said the astro press worked well, you just have to figure out which adapters to use, which isn't too hard. If you want I can lend you mine, just pay shipping to and from 88030 Chris

Yeah I might end up buying one just to do mine... http://quad4x4.com/Ball%20Joint%20Tools%20for%204x4's.htm It would be a full days worth of driving just to barrow a tool... 3 hours down and 3 hours back for Autozone...

Hmmm... Your a bad influence... Well at this point and time I don't need it but I might take you up on the offer...

The set you purchased is the same kit I have and it will not work on the 3rd gens at all and is why you need the larger C-press. That kit will also not work on a few other newer front ends that require the larger c-press also. so if you are thinking to borrow it out to others for anything newer than the dana 60 I can tell you from first hand experience that it will not work. Here are a couple places I found to buy the set for 3rd gen ball joints along with all other new style vehicles. I wound up getting my old ball joints out but couldn't install them with the kit we both have, but the local dealer lent me their tool for the install on my 05 when I installed the Carli BJ's. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=OTC8031 http://www.mile-x.com/otc-8031-ball-joint-press.aspx

W&F, The press was a little tight going back together, but thankfully I found a combination that worked! Part of my justification for buying the kit was I was going to be able to use it for other jobs....Thanks for the heads up about the later model trucks, you probably just saved me alot of aggravation in an already "fun" job! Chris

The set you purchased is the same kit I have and it will not work on the 3rd gens at all and is why you need the larger C-press. That kit will also not work on a few other newer front ends that require the larger c-press also. so if you are thinking to borrow it out to others for anything newer than the dana 60 I can tell you from first hand experience that it will not work. Here are a couple places I found to buy the set for 3rd gen ball joints along with all other new style vehicles. I wound up getting my old ball joints out but couldn't install them with the kit we both have, but the local dealer lent me their tool for the install on my 05 when I installed the Carli BJ's. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=OTC8031 http://www.mile-x.com/otc-8031-ball-joint-press.aspx