upper ball joint spanner-have you? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nu2-72 · 10-22-2005, 06:12 PM

I am finishing my front end and installing new ball joints. The Chevy book says to replace the upper ball joint adjusting sleeve and torque it to 50 lbs.ft.
Has anyone else done this?
I was talking with another member and he recalls that these are just run down until they touch and then a scale is used to test the pull of the knuckle.
I would like to set everything up as original if possible and would like to hear what you folks know.
I have also have been unable to locate the correct tool locally so am going to order one.
O'Riellys local can order but is $30.00+ and will take a few days.
Found Network Tool Warehouse online and same OTC 7080 tool is $14.95.
Called Wrench, Ball Joint Spanner on there. GM J-23447 tool and called Adjusting Sleeve Spanner by GM.

Beast388 · 10-25-2005, 12:39 PM

When I rebuilt my current Dana 44, I bought a cheapy deep socket and used the grinder to grind the "castle" notches into it. It worked like a charm when torquing that adjuster to 50 lbs/ft.

It is important to put the proper preload on those balljoints. They will last alot longer if you do.

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-25-2005, 07:41 PM

same as ben, used a 3/4" deep socket and cut the castle. www.partsmikeparts.com has the correct tool for $10. http://www.partsmikeparts.com/ball_j...uster_tool.htm

nu2-72 · 10-25-2005, 09:05 PM

Dang guys, I ordered the one for $15.00 already. Thanks.

10-22-2005, 06:12 PM	#1
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	upper ball joint spanner-have you? I am finishing my front end and installing new ball joints. The Chevy book says to replace the upper ball joint adjusting sleeve and torque it to 50 lbs.ft. Has anyone else done this? I was talking with another member and he recalls that these are just run down until they touch and then a scale is used to test the pull of the knuckle. I would like to set everything up as original if possible and would like to hear what you folks know. I have also have been unable to locate the correct tool locally so am going to order one. O'Riellys local can order but is $30.00+ and will take a few days. Found Network Tool Warehouse online and same OTC 7080 tool is $14.95. Called Wrench, Ball Joint Spanner on there. GM J-23447 tool and called Adjusting Sleeve Spanner by GM. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

10-25-2005, 12:39 PM	#2
Beast388 Suburbans RULE! Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clinton, IA 52732 Posts: 689	Re: upper ball joint spanner-have you? When I rebuilt my current Dana 44, I bought a cheapy deep socket and used the grinder to grind the "castle" notches into it. It worked like a charm when torquing that adjuster to 50 lbs/ft. It is important to put the proper preload on those balljoints. They will last alot longer if you do. __________________ --Ben 71 GMC Suburban 4X4 The "Beast" 388 CID Stroker, TH350, NP205, 8-lug D44, 14BFF w/ Detroit, 4.10:1 gears, 4-Wheel Disks 4" Lift, 35" MT/R's.

10-25-2005, 07:41 PM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Re: upper ball joint spanner-have you? same as ben, used a 3/4" deep socket and cut the castle. www.partsmikeparts.com has the correct tool for $10. http://www.partsmikeparts.com/ball_j...uster_tool.htm __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm Last edited by JIMs70GMC; 10-25-2005 at 07:42 PM.

10-25-2005, 09:05 PM	#4
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Re: upper ball joint spanner-have you? Dang guys, I ordered the one for $15.00 already. Thanks. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide



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