removing bottom ball joints on '72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kurts72 · 07-22-2002, 07:50 AM

These appear to be pressed in. Can they be hammered out or do I need to hire someone with a press? How about putting the new ones in-again is a press needed? Thanks, Kurt

**StingRay** · 07-22-2002, 09:45 AM

You can buy a c-clamp type press kit for about 50 bucks US that will do the job. They can also be rented and some auto parts stores will loan them to you if you leave a deposit. To do it right at some point in the process it will require a pressing operation.

72Lester · 07-22-2002, 10:19 AM

WD-40 and a hammer will get 'em out, just take the lower control arms off and have 'em pressed in at any machine shop, just had mine both done for $10

tom hand · 07-22-2002, 10:54 AM

I aways lay the control arms on a crosstie. Ussally with an 8lb slege, I can get them out the first lick. To put the new ones back in, lay the control arms in the sun and put the ball joints in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once they get good and cold it will only take a couple of baby taps to get them in.

Low69CST · 07-22-2002, 11:04 AM

Had mine pressed in. Not worth possibly screwing them up to me.

bouncytruck · 07-22-2002, 11:16 AM

I had my old one's pressed out and new ones pressed in for $19. Harbor Freight Tools has the tool on sale for $39.00 - http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335

**MikeB** · 07-22-2002, 11:42 AM

Don't use a sledge hammer as a press -- control arms aren't cheap to replace. I bought a Harbor Freight ball joint press several years ago for around $50. So if the same tool is now $39, it's a great deal. Even though it's made in Taiwan or China, it's high quality and works great, unlike most of the "Pittsburg" hand tools they sell. The city of Pittsburg should sue Harbor Freight for using the city's name on imported crap that bends or snaps the first time you use it.

07-22-2002, 07:50 AM	#1
kurts72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Durand, IL Posts: 98	removing bottom ball joints on '72 These appear to be pressed in. Can they be hammered out or do I need to hire someone with a press? How about putting the new ones in-again is a press needed? Thanks, Kurt __________________ Kurt in Durand, IL

07-22-2002, 09:45 AM	#2
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	You can buy a c-clamp type press kit for about 50 bucks US that will do the job. They can also be rented and some auto parts stores will loan them to you if you leave a deposit. To do it right at some point in the process it will require a pressing operation. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

07-22-2002, 10:19 AM	#3
72Lester Genuine smartass Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Enid, OK - soon to be Rapid City, SD Posts: 126	WD-40 and a hammer will get 'em out, just take the lower control arms off and have 'em pressed in at any machine shop, just had mine both done for $10 __________________ '99 Chevy 3/4 Burb 4x4 '98 Chevy 1/2 Short Bed 4x4 Former 67 & 72 owner Wanted: 1972 10 or 20 4X4, V8 4spd

07-22-2002, 10:54 AM	#4
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I aways lay the control arms on a crosstie. Ussally with an 8lb slege, I can get them out the first lick. To put the new ones back in, lay the control arms in the sun and put the ball joints in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once they get good and cold it will only take a couple of baby taps to get them in. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

07-22-2002, 11:04 AM	#5
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Had mine pressed in. Not worth possibly screwing them up to me. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

07-22-2002, 11:16 AM	#6
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	I had my old one's pressed out and new ones pressed in for $19. Harbor Freight Tools has the tool on sale for $39.00 - http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335 __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

07-22-2002, 11:42 AM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	Don't use a sledge hammer as a press -- control arms aren't cheap to replace. I bought a Harbor Freight ball joint press several years ago for around $50. So if the same tool is now $39, it's a great deal. Even though it's made in Taiwan or China, it's high quality and works great, unlike most of the "Pittsburg" hand tools they sell. The city of Pittsburg should sue Harbor Freight for using the city's name on imported crap that bends or snaps the first time you use it. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.