replacing 3/4 ton 4x4 ball joints

[dbcox]

How much of a pain is it to press out the ball joints out of the steering knucles on a 83 3/4 ton 4x4. I will remove them all the way. And also press in the new ones

[redz 1970 K5]

I usually take my knuckles into a machine shop and let them press them out/new ones in for about $10/ea.

However, part counter guys tell me that these D44 front ball joints are really quite easy compared to others. Figure you can go to Harbor Freight and buy the ball joint service kit for 4x4s and give it a whirl. Worse comes to worse, take em to a shop. I think Autozone and others will actually rent you a ball joint service kit too.

[dbcox]

thanks ill check and see i hope its prety easy. thats about the only thing ive never had to do.I wonder if oriellys rent tools also, our advance counter people dont have a clue.

[manimal]

I did mine with a C-clamp and large socket

[Duro5341]

Are they original?......my 86 had original ball joints, and tie-rods, and they were a PITA to get the knuckle off the truck, because everything was siezed together. After the knuckles were out, the ball joints were no problem, grated I work as a mechanic, and have a complete shop at my disposal.

Make sure you only press out the ball-joint, and not the adjuster sleeve...this will eliminate the need for a front end alignment

Depending on the tools you have, condition of truck will determain how easy, and fast this will go.

Good luck, it will sure beat paying 8 hours labour to fix it at a shop....

Make sure you put in moog, or spicer ball-joints so you won't have to pull it apart again for while

Duro