lower balljoint replacement

[mikegi]

I'm rebuilding front end,and have A-arms removed.is there a way for me to install lower ball joints without having to send them out to be pressed in? I removed old lower balljoints with a hyd.jack.any ideas,or should i just send them out?thanks

[tom hand]

I have aways used a swinging press. [Sledgehammer] I use a short piece of wood to hold the a-frame and knock the crap out them with a sledge hammer. Usally only takes a couple of licks to get them out. To put the new ones in I have a piece of pipe cut to fit them so I don't have to beat on the new ball joint. I heat the a-arm. up in the oven.{make sure your wife is gone]and put the ball joints in the freezer. With the heat and freeze process it only takes a couple of baby hits to get them in,so you don't hurt the new joint. I have replaced hudreds of u-joints this way,actally trucks are easy they must not be too much of a press fit, GM cars are much harder.

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72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail
Olive Branch MS

[BubbaGreen]

If you have a few extra bucks...approx 200
you can get a K-D Tool that will do it for
you (basically, its a super heavy duty
C-clamp, with adaptors) -OR- take it to a
front end shop and ask if they can do it,
if its a good shop, shouldnt take more than
fifteen minutes since you have the a-arms
off the truck...
The freezer trick is a good one, if you
live in a hot climate, lay the a-arms out
in the sun for a little while and wear some
gloves (here in texas, things get hot in a
hurry) then just take the ball joints out of
the freezer and tap 'em in.
BTW: that K-D tool works excellent to remove
studs, u-joints, ball joints and can both
install and remove ball joints, and u-joints,
but kinda pricey.

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71 Chevy C-10 SWB Fleetside WAS:307w/3-on-the-tree NOW:350TBI/700R4/3.73
See it at www.prismnet.com/~grzanich

[Longhorn Man]

I've used the freezer trick on freeze plugs and bearing races, but I have yet to do a ball joint. A buddy looked at me like I was smoking crack when I asked if that would work.

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'69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
FINALLY got the HORNIAC...a '70 one ton Longhorn with a Pontiac 350/350 and lots of 'personality'. Check out The Longhorn Webite.
If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

[jostrans68]

Harbor frieght ball joint service kit 39.99 I just did my 68 no probs, I am getting old like the right tools and only doing it once,,,,,,,LOL

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68 c20 in progress 327 TH400 tach dash Disc Brakes and soon 3.90 rear gears.. have many new parts now just need the time..... Sound Familar
Tacoma Wa. The Rain capitol of the USA