Ball joints?
 

How do I replace the ball joints on my 84 K10?

Re: Ball joints?
 

This is a rather involved process that takes a few special tools.
First you need to be familiar enough to remove quite a few parts to even get there.
You have to remove the lock-out hubs, hub/rotor, spindle, caliper bracket, etc.
The spindle removeal is no easy task. There is a special tool that helps here, but it is not necessarily required....but it sure helps with the ones that are more stubborn than others.
After that comes "popping" the joints themselves, along with the tie-rod. After that, you have the knuckle loose and it is ready for pressing. The joints require pressing out and back in. If you have access to a hydraulic press, it can be done at home, if not, you are looking for a pro.
The re-install process is very similar to disassembly, except for the initial attachemnt of the knuckle itself. The first thing you need to do is replace the upper sleeve for the joint's taper. This is one of the special tool places. There is a 4-pronged socket (looks similar to the spindle nut socket) that turns the upper sleeve.
The you install the knuckle by torquing the lower joint's nut first, while the upper's taper is not yet enguaged. After the lower is torqued, you torque the sleeve down onto the upper taper. After that torque the upper joint's nut in place and insert the cotter pin. After that..........it is basically just reverse of the disassembly.

This is a very simplified over-view....kinda assuming that you have the ability to do the hub/rotor removal and install.

Re: Ball joints?
 

You dont need a hydraulic press to get the ball joints out of the knuckle - autozone lets you rent a tool (give a deposit and get a refund when you return the tool) that can be used to press ball joints in and out using a wrench to turn turn a threaded rod.

A press is way easier though.:lol:

Re: Ball joints?
 

While your in there, check your axle end universal joints too.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Pull the knuckles,press out/press in,and reassemble.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Thanks guys, I'll definitely check my u joints, and probably change the front and rear gear oil, what is the best gear oil to use? The BEST.

Re: Ball joints?
 

The best gear oil is probably Royal Purple. ;)

Re: Ball joints?
 

I guess we could go around with what`s everyone`s favorite.I haven`t found a gear oil that doesn`t lubricate a rear or one that had any part in rear end failure.No matter what motor you have or tires you`re spinnin`,the rear`s doing the same job,stock or modified.Just go with a quality brand.I`ve used rom Drydene HD Gear Lube used on heavy equipment to Moroso Hill Climbing Gear Lube.

Re: Ball joints?
 

What weight should I get? I'll probably go with Schaeffer.

Re: Ball joints?
 

this is the tool i use for ball joints.. it works great for ujoints too ...:metal:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=4065

Re: Ball joints?
 

That`s a neat little press.Sure would come in handy.Especially working on a truck away from the shop.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Hey guys, need to revive the thread. Just got my new axle with new u-joints assembled and installed in my axle housing. I slide the axle through my knuckle with mounted spindle and new ball joints installed and realized my top ball joint was preventing the knuckle from installing on the axle housing yokes. Any ideas how to get this installed? Did I mistakenly replace my knuckle ball joints while it was off the truck?

Thanks,
Shawn

Re: Ball joints?
 

If you can ,Please put up a picture or two . I'm having tough time picturing what is wrong

Re: Ball joints?
 

You can see on the pictures where the top ball joint will not fit in the upper yoke mounting hole.

Re: Ball joints?
 

The spindle (knuckle) needs to be in place before the axle shaft can be put in.Sorry but some of your work will have to be undone .

Re: Ball joints?
 

If I did that I would have to install my U-joints on my axle while inside the housing. I don't think that can be the solution.

Re: Ball joints?
 

you will have to take these nuts loose and take that spindle from the knuckle then slide the axle out as an assembly.

The spindle is a real tight fit most times so it will take a block of wood and a hammer to shake it loose most of the time

Re: Ball joints?
 

Ok, I see what you are saying. Remove the spindle, install the knuckle, then slide the axle in. I like this idea better than removing and reinstalling a ball joint. Thanks for the help buddy.

Re: Ball joints?
 

powerdriver got me straight. Here she is. Thanks again.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Maybe a dumb observation....you have your inner wheel bearing/seal on the spindle.

You should install the race, bearing and seal into your wheel bearing hub, then slide the hub onto the spindle.

Just in case you didn't know, I'd never seen anyone do it your way before.

Re: Ball joints?
 

I guess also, you're missing your backing plates....

Maybe I'm an idiot and you're just mocking things up, but that last picture looks like your'e going 2 steps forward and 3 back...

Just trying to help.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Thanks for the advice but I tried that. Unfortunately, the spindle did not enter the bearing without pressing it on the spindle. It didn't take much, but more than a simple push.

BTW, the backing plate and axle seal are on the axle inside the knuckle.

As for 3 steps forward and 2 steps back, well yes, I did make a mistake. It is not my first and it won't be my last.

Re: Ball joints?
 

Your inner (or outer, for that matter), should slide onto your spindle with a little resistance, it's not like a pinion bearing that needs to be pressed on. They should have slight resistance. The way you have it now, you won't get your wheel bearing seal to seat in the hub.

Also, your inner bearing isn't packed, that I could see. Again, pack the bearing, install into hub, pack the seal, tap seal onto hub, then install onto spindle. I had a spindle last week that was too tight, you might have a burr, and need to use some emery cloth to clean your spindle.

I meant your brake backing plate, that you hang the caliper off of. Like I said, I might be an idiot because your just mocking things up, but USUALLY you install spindle, backing plate, nuts (the one photo a few posts ago with red arrows), then hub, etc....

Re: Ball joints?
 

Thanks for the help. I'll look into what you are saying.

Re: Ball joints?
 

I'm rebuilding my Dana 44 now if you want me to post some pics for reference.