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

WB72 · 09-22-2003, 05:51 PM

Do you need two different forks to remove the ball joints on 71 C10 ball joints?

I have the fork for the upper ball joint. It doesn't fit for the lower. Is there a cheaters way to getting around buying another fork or should I just go and get another fork?

WB72 · 09-22-2003, 05:54 PM

OOPS.
I have tried to beat it out of the spindle, but it won't budge.

Hotrod70C10 · 09-22-2003, 06:24 PM

Go to a local parts store and rent a balljoint press. It looks like a big C-clamp. You just set the little cups on the balljoint and tighten it down with a 3/4 end wrench or even an impact socket. Here's a pic of the kit.

**COBALT** · 09-22-2003, 06:58 PM

He's talking about the pickle forks.

Yes, you end up having to use two different ones, or at least I had to (3/4 ton '69 C20 w/ drums).

boraxman · 09-22-2003, 08:13 PM

If youre having trouble separating it from the spindle, do this...
1. hook up the upper ball joint getting the nut fully covering the threads.
2. get yourself a bottle jack wedge it between top and bottom a-arms and start jacking it carefully.
3. once you get some good pressure start beating with a 3lb hammer along with using your seperator or anything you can get leverge with. Beat the threads of the lower joint, the spindle and the a-arm.(wont hurt it). Sooner or later it will pop off.

Also keep in mind I used this method without springs installed....good luck!

09-22-2003, 05:51 PM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Lower Ball Joints Do you need two different forks to remove the ball joints on 71 C10 ball joints? I have the fork for the upper ball joint. It doesn't fit for the lower. Is there a cheaters way to getting around buying another fork or should I just go and get another fork? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

09-22-2003, 05:54 PM	#2
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	OOPS. I have tried to beat it out of the spindle, but it won't budge. __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

09-22-2003, 06:24 PM	#3
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Go to a local parts store and rent a balljoint press. It looks like a big C-clamp. You just set the little cups on the balljoint and tighten it down with a 3/4 end wrench or even an impact socket. Here's a pic of the kit. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

09-22-2003, 06:58 PM	#4
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	He's talking about the pickle forks. Yes, you end up having to use two different ones, or at least I had to (3/4 ton '69 C20 w/ drums). __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

09-22-2003, 08:13 PM	#5
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	If youre having trouble separating it from the spindle, do this... 1. hook up the upper ball joint getting the nut fully covering the threads. 2. get yourself a bottle jack wedge it between top and bottom a-arms and start jacking it carefully. 3. once you get some good pressure start beating with a 3lb hammer along with using your seperator or anything you can get leverge with. Beat the threads of the lower joint, the spindle and the a-arm.(wont hurt it). Sooner or later it will pop off. Also keep in mind I used this method without springs installed....good luck! __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351



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