1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**dave6672** · 06-09-2009, 06:15 AM

I have a 1972 K20 and am replacing the ball joints. I have removed the knuckle and have removed the lower ball joint. I'm trying to figure out how to remove the upper ball joint. According to the shop manual there is an adjusting sleeve that is screwed into the knuckle and the ball joint is inside the sleeve. It appears to be pretty well rusted together. How should this be removed? Does the ball joint need to be removed first, then the sleeve? Or do you screw out the sleeve along with the ball joint? Any suggestions on the best way to remove this would be appreciated.

Rust Buster · 06-09-2009, 07:16 AM

Not a fun project!! The ball joint has to be removed before the sleeve. I just used a vise and a hammer to get out the old ones, but then bought a ball joint remover (about $50) to put thee new ones in so I wouldn't marr them. The tool is a good investment. Other than that, just lots of patience and hammering. You can also try heat to expand the knuckle. Also, make sure you are pushing it out the right end, it is a little confusing. I believe the top one comes out underneath the top knuckle, not out the top. Hope this helps.

oldblue1968chevy · 06-09-2009, 08:52 AM

if its original theres rivits under those bolts, you gotta grind the top of the bolt head off and knock em thru with a chisel..not bad...may wanna wear long sleeves and googles/gloves a nasty job for sure.

**D.PASSMORE** · 06-09-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

if its original theres rivits under those bolts, you gotta grind the top of the bolt head off and knock em thru with a chisel..not bad...may wanna wear long sleeves and googles/gloves a nasty job for sure.

Keep in mind that this is a Dana 44 front axle, 4x4. I believe you are describing a 2WD front end??

oldblue1968chevy · 06-09-2009, 09:56 PM

yee you right im wrong read the post wrong ignore my last post im a lil senile someimtes lol

**dave6672** · 06-11-2009, 06:16 AM

Thanks for the advice. Hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to work on it.

06-09-2009, 06:15 AM	#1
dave6672 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carrollton, KY Posts: 1,263	1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help I have a 1972 K20 and am replacing the ball joints. I have removed the knuckle and have removed the lower ball joint. I'm trying to figure out how to remove the upper ball joint. According to the shop manual there is an adjusting sleeve that is screwed into the knuckle and the ball joint is inside the sleeve. It appears to be pretty well rusted together. How should this be removed? Does the ball joint need to be removed first, then the sleeve? Or do you screw out the sleeve along with the ball joint? Any suggestions on the best way to remove this would be appreciated.

06-09-2009, 07:16 AM	#2
Rust Buster Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 547	Re: 1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help Not a fun project!! The ball joint has to be removed before the sleeve. I just used a vise and a hammer to get out the old ones, but then bought a ball joint remover (about $50) to put thee new ones in so I wouldn't marr them. The tool is a good investment. Other than that, just lots of patience and hammering. You can also try heat to expand the knuckle. Also, make sure you are pushing it out the right end, it is a little confusing. I believe the top one comes out underneath the top knuckle, not out the top. Hope this helps. __________________ Maj USAF 71 K5 Blazer CST 72 K20 HT383 NV4500 Mass-Flo EFI 71 K10 LWB 52 Dodge Power Wagon 67 Dodge WM300 Power Wagon 48 Dodge WDX Power Wagon My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=239487

06-09-2009, 08:52 AM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help if its original theres rivits under those bolts, you gotta grind the top of the bolt head off and knock em thru with a chisel..not bad...may wanna wear long sleeves and googles/gloves a nasty job for sure. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

06-09-2009, 09:56 PM	#5
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help yee you right im wrong read the post wrong ignore my last post im a lil senile someimtes lol __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

06-11-2009, 06:16 AM	#6
dave6672 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carrollton, KY Posts: 1,263	Re: 1972 K20 Upper Ball Joint Removal Help Thanks for the advice. Hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to work on it.



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