My new square, along with a ball joint question! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Richs'55 · 06-23-2015, 06:39 PM

Just replaced the ball joints on the lower control arms and replaced bushings on control arm shaft on the '81 frame. Took it to a machine shop to have old ones pressed out and new ones pressed in. Cost me a bout $75

1970pelle · 06-23-2015, 11:17 PM

I have never removed a lower control arm to replace ball joints. I have done my fair share of them. Back before you could buy correct tools, its a sledge hammer first. Then a jack and a smaller sledge to rap it in.

I have a on the vehicle press from my Dodge truck days. That and a 3/4 impact they jump out, ease them back in with a 1/2in impact & breaker bar. Doesn't take more than 15 min. a side. After tear down of course.

KA

**Wgesnerjr** · 06-24-2015, 06:23 AM

Just did this on my caprice wagon as it was popping when I turned the wheels left or right.

In may I replaced all the control arms (upper & lower - both sides) with NAPA replacement arms. They were " made in Taiwan" but the counter guy assured me they had MOOG ball joints. Should have known better. On the test drive I got 2 blocks from the house and the left front ball joint let loose. I was only doing 10 mph and turning a corner so it wasnt too bad. Turns out that the treads on the bottom nut pulled out! Cheap hardware but probably a good joint

Decided not to take any more chances and bought new MOOG "Problem Solver" lower ball joints and rented the install tool. It was an expensive deposit but worth it. Used breaker bar and 1/2 inch ratchet to take out and press in. Could not get mine to go in perfectly stright, but after it bottomed out was flush all around. Now I can drive it with confidence and enjoy the Hotchkis suspension! Highly suggest the MOOG parts and tool rental.

Bonus was that since I rented the tool from Advance auto parts, it put my bill over $100. That got me a $25 off coupon from my speed perks account! Used it for a new water pump for the 5.3!

Your truck looks great. I am thinking of using the Centerline wheels like you have. What size wheel/tire combo are you running? Any problems with scrapping or rubbing?

06-23-2015, 06:39 PM	#1
Richs'55 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa Posts: 120	Re: My new square, along with a ball joint question! Just replaced the ball joints on the lower control arms and replaced bushings on control arm shaft on the '81 frame. Took it to a machine shop to have old ones pressed out and new ones pressed in. Cost me a bout $75

06-23-2015, 11:17 PM	#2
1970pelle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.E. Florida Posts: 500	Re: My new square, along with a ball joint question! I have never removed a lower control arm to replace ball joints. I have done my fair share of them. Back before you could buy correct tools, its a sledge hammer first. Then a jack and a smaller sledge to rap it in. I have a on the vehicle press from my Dodge truck days. That and a 3/4 impact they jump out, ease them back in with a 1/2in impact & breaker bar. Doesn't take more than 15 min. a side. After tear down of course. KA __________________ 1985 IROC Z28 190HP TPI 305,700r4,T-tops,rear trac lock, Black on lite gray, 16in Z28 wheels 2007 Lexus ES350 (wifes) 1984 CJ7 with 1995 HO4.0L MPI, 2 1/2 OME YJ Lift “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” ― Ronald Reagan

06-24-2015, 06:23 AM	#3
Wgesnerjr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Atlanta, GA. Posts: 737	Re: My new square, along with a ball joint question! Just did this on my caprice wagon as it was popping when I turned the wheels left or right. In may I replaced all the control arms (upper & lower - both sides) with NAPA replacement arms. They were " made in Taiwan" but the counter guy assured me they had MOOG ball joints. Should have known better. On the test drive I got 2 blocks from the house and the left front ball joint let loose. I was only doing 10 mph and turning a corner so it wasnt too bad. Turns out that the treads on the bottom nut pulled out! Cheap hardware but probably a good joint Decided not to take any more chances and bought new MOOG "Problem Solver" lower ball joints and rented the install tool. It was an expensive deposit but worth it. Used breaker bar and 1/2 inch ratchet to take out and press in. Could not get mine to go in perfectly stright, but after it bottomed out was flush all around. Now I can drive it with confidence and enjoy the Hotchkis suspension! Highly suggest the MOOG parts and tool rental. Bonus was that since I rented the tool from Advance auto parts, it put my bill over $100. That got me a $25 off coupon from my speed perks account! Used it for a new water pump for the 5.3! Your truck looks great. I am thinking of using the Centerline wheels like you have. What size wheel/tire combo are you running? Any problems with scrapping or rubbing? __________________ Jay Gesner Atlanta, GA 1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2 LS 5.3, 4L60E Father/Daughter Project



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