Lower Ball Joints - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tonythezeek · 05-02-2011, 10:03 AM

So, I just got off the phone with a local tire shop and they want $100 to press ball joints into the lower control arms. I'm not going to argue price because it "is what it is" but was wondering if any of you have an alternate way to do something like this in your own garage.

I was thinking about using a gear puller (or something like it) but placing a piece of wood between the ball joint and the tool (as to not damage the ball joint) to install these suckers. Is this a good approach?

bharrison1 · 05-02-2011, 12:33 PM

i went down to harbour freight and bought one of these but you could also just do it by letting the truck down on something under the ball joint before you screw in the greae zerk and hammer the arm til it seats but the press works much better

YBNORML · 05-02-2011, 01:06 PM

At our local part stores you can rent a ball joint press.
Posted via Mobile Device

tubbedII · 05-02-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YBNORML

At our local part stores you can rent a ball joint press.
Posted via Mobile Device

This is what I do. The autozone charges 100 + tax, but you get it all back once you return it, so as long as you have that for them to hold, it's free.

tonythezeek · 05-02-2011, 04:28 PM

Hmmm. I'm may have to check with Autozone. I know Discount Auto Parts did have a tool rental program but dont anymore in the area I live in. Thanks for the input guys!

SCOTI · 05-02-2011, 05:20 PM

I have one of these kits & have used it several times. But.... they don't always have enough arse to get the job done. For those stubborn ones, I've had to use a regular hyd press @ the shop.

ka_jd7and1 · 05-02-2011, 05:47 PM

IF you go to Autozone or somewhere similar to rent one, MAKE SURE you get an adapter kit as well, and not just the kit that has the press in it!

I spent a day fighting with the Autozone press trying to install lower balljoints on my S10 using only the adapters included with the press.... they have a 2WD, a 4WD, and an import adapter kit as well to adapt the press to a variety of vehicles. I went down the next day and got the extra adapter kit, and had them pressed in within 20 minutes.

Tx Firefighter · 05-02-2011, 06:27 PM

For 150 or so you can buy a true hydraulic shop press from one of the Northern Tool type of places and you'll be in business pressing any and everything from now on. It's a wonderful tool to have in your shop.

62 Bowtie · 05-02-2011, 08:40 PM

I'd try another shop for comparison I paid 30 at a local shop

LONGHAIR · 07-02-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

For 150 or so you can buy a true hydraulic shop press from one of the Northern Tool type of places and you'll be in business pressing any and everything from now on. It's a wonderful tool to have in your shop.

I 2nd that motion. When working on your own stuff, you will need it again, besides you may be able to help out your buddies too.

iceship · 06-02-2011, 01:27 AM

Has any of you guys used the ball joint dust cover from auto zone or advance auto... just wonted to know. If they fit on there good... need to replace upper and lower.... 87 silverado

**FL71C10** · 07-02-2011, 10:17 AM

How do you get the old ones out? Whale on em with a hammer?

**FL71C10** · 07-04-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL71C10

How do you get the old ones out? Whale on em with a hammer?

Got the drivers' side out today. Didn't go too badly. Now for the passenger side...
Posted via Mobile Device

fastwillie 696969 · 07-04-2011, 08:54 PM

vise and a big socket will drive them in

05-02-2011, 10:03 AM	#1
tonythezeek Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: jacksonville,fl Posts: 129	Lower Ball Joints So, I just got off the phone with a local tire shop and they want $100 to press ball joints into the lower control arms. I'm not going to argue price because it "is what it is" but was wondering if any of you have an alternate way to do something like this in your own garage. I was thinking about using a gear puller (or something like it) but placing a piece of wood between the ball joint and the tool (as to not damage the ball joint) to install these suckers. Is this a good approach?

05-02-2011, 12:33 PM	#2
bharrison1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: haysville,kansas Posts: 524	Re: Lower Ball Joints i went down to harbour freight and bought one of these but you could also just do it by letting the truck down on something under the ball joint before you screw in the greae zerk and hammer the arm til it seats but the press works much better Attached Images

05-02-2011, 01:06 PM	#3
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,844	Re: Lower Ball Joints At our local part stores you can rent a ball joint press. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

05-02-2011, 04:28 PM	#5
tonythezeek Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: jacksonville,fl Posts: 129	Re: Lower Ball Joints Hmmm. I'm may have to check with Autozone. I know Discount Auto Parts did have a tool rental program but dont anymore in the area I live in. Thanks for the input guys!

05-02-2011, 05:20 PM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,132	Re: Lower Ball Joints I have one of these kits & have used it several times. But.... they don't always have enough arse to get the job done. For those stubborn ones, I've had to use a regular hyd press @ the shop. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-02-2011, 05:47 PM	#7
ka_jd7and1 is a fungineer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 795	Re: Lower Ball Joints IF you go to Autozone or somewhere similar to rent one, MAKE SURE you get an adapter kit as well, and not just the kit that has the press in it! I spent a day fighting with the Autozone press trying to install lower balljoints on my S10 using only the adapters included with the press.... they have a 2WD, a 4WD, and an import adapter kit as well to adapt the press to a variety of vehicles. I went down the next day and got the extra adapter kit, and had them pressed in within 20 minutes. __________________ 2003 S10, 2.2 auto- the daily driver, currently with a 2"/2" drop and some minor engine bolt-ons 1978 Impala 2-door, race 350/T350 - the new race car, in progress 1968 Chevy C10 longbed- 3/5 drop, currently undergoing a heart transplant

05-02-2011, 06:27 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Lower Ball Joints For 150 or so you can buy a true hydraulic shop press from one of the Northern Tool type of places and you'll be in business pressing any and everything from now on. It's a wonderful tool to have in your shop. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

05-02-2011, 08:40 PM	#9
62 Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elk Grove Ca Posts: 629	Re: Lower Ball Joints I'd try another shop for comparison I paid 30 at a local shop

06-02-2011, 01:27 AM	#11
iceship Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: bowling green, ky Posts: 439	Re: Lower Ball Joints Has any of you guys used the ball joint dust cover from auto zone or advance auto... just wonted to know. If they fit on there good... need to replace upper and lower.... 87 silverado

07-02-2011, 10:17 AM	#12
FL71C10 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 2,514	Re: Lower Ball Joints How do you get the old ones out? Whale on em with a hammer? __________________ 71 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside. LT1 with 4l60E. Just got back from painter, in assembly now.

07-04-2011, 08:54 PM	#14
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Lower Ball Joints vise and a big socket will drive them in __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex



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