help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tranz am · 01-08-2009, 11:41 PM

Im about ready to install 73+ control arms on my 69 gmc. one of the lower ball joints is very wiggly and needs to be replaced. My question is how do I remove it? can I just beat it out of there or do I have to press it out using a tool. Also does anyone know where I can find some replacement ball joint boots? thanks

Bus Ted Knuckle · 01-08-2009, 11:53 PM

boots should come with the new ball joints, check in the box at the parts store. The lowers you can beat out from above with a BFH. Support the A-arm underneath with a block of wood placed behind the BJ, not under it, and smack away.

You can get a loaner ball joint tool that will be helpful to remove and install your BJ's at the parts store too. This is probably what you want to do it with.

The uppers you have to grind off the rivet heads then punch out the remainder of the rivets, the new ones will bolt in.

Make sure you purchase the ball joints for the year of spindles that you will be using. Is there a reason why you aren't swapping the whole cross member?

tranz am · 01-10-2009, 04:02 AM

great, thanks for the addvise! I guess I'll be wacking it out soon. I got one week until the northern california meet to put the front end back together with the 73+ arms and droped spindle!

ERASER5 · 01-10-2009, 06:36 AM

Word of advice, replace both lower ball joints while the A-arms are still off. This will save you a lot of work later on.

I would also do the upper ball joints too while the A-arms are off. It is a little easier to get at the rivets. But the uppers are still pretty easy to do on the truck later.

PanelDeland · 01-10-2009, 09:24 AM

I got some new boots at Advance in the "Help!" section.

71tahoe · 01-10-2009, 11:20 AM

It may just be my experience with the ball joint press, but the last time I used one I was afraid I would break it. I did break a 1/2" ratchet. I think the LBJ was an oversize for worn out LCAs. Regardless, from now on it's worth $15 ea to take them to a machine shop.

PanelDeland · 01-10-2009, 12:19 PM

The Ball joint press I bought was not set up to fit the ball joints on a 67-72 truck.I made some spacers for mine.They make a kit where it works with almost if not all ball joints but it is pricier than the ball joint press.

**mr48chev** · 01-10-2009, 12:35 PM

I used a BFH on many of them but the proper way is to use a ball joint press/tool. You can probably rent/borrow one from one of the parts houses that have tool loan policies.
Harbor freight has a knockoff unit for cheaps that is good enough to do your own with. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335
It is a knock off of the OTC unit that I have. http://www.handsontools.com/otc-7249...html?iorb=4764
The OTC set is pro tools that will last a couple of lifetimes if it is treated right.
Before I had my tool I changed hundreds of them with a big hammer with the A arm setting on a jack stand and then knocked the ball joint back in the a arm with the same hammer. It is a whole lot easier and quicker with the tool though.

By the way that tool will earn it's keep changing U joints. Makes a pain in the butt job a simple one.

tranz am · 01-10-2009, 05:21 PM

great looks like it will be best to try and grab this tool for future use and time savings. thanks for all the great advise

tranz am · 01-10-2009, 05:23 PM

thanks I found the big tie rod end boots they sell that seams to work fine. I just wanted to replace the boots befor I reassemble the front end.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I got some new boots at Advance in the "Help!" section.

BarryB · 01-10-2009, 05:25 PM

Yeap get the tool, I bought one off the Mac Tool truck, It also good for replacing U joints.

tranz am · 01-15-2009, 02:58 AM

nice one. glad I bought this tool. realy did make this quicker. I also found several other uses for it sence i bought it. It works great for resetting calipers! thanks guys. Truck is almost done with the front end rebuild / 6" drop.

67ChevyRedneck · 01-15-2009, 03:15 AM

^Did you buy a cheapie or a good one?

tranz am · 01-15-2009, 04:02 AM

I bought a cheep one from harbor freight. Its actually really tuff! I put a lot of strain on it already with no problems at all. I bought the universal kit and all the extra adapters. It was about $70.
It also works good for clamping downball joints when they spin when your tightening the nut.

They also work just as good on all the other sterring linkage joints.
It saved me a lot of frustration. Ive always had a hell of a time with spinning joints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

^Did you buy a cheapie or a good one?

67ChevyRedneck · 01-15-2009, 12:41 PM

Thanks, I found the tool and the extra kit on their website. In the near future I'll be doing my S-10, 67, and someday the Silverado will need it done too. I imagine this would also work well for the trailing arm bushings? It should pay for itself

my67chevytruck · 01-15-2009, 12:45 PM

I used the HF one as well.

Wilson_ · 01-15-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranz am

nice one. glad I bought this tool. realy did make this quicker. I also found several other uses for it sence i bought it. It works great for resetting calipers! thanks guys. Truck is almost done with the front end rebuild / 6" drop.

Sweet I have to check this bad boy out at the meet!

PanelDeland · 01-15-2009, 06:12 PM

The Ball joint tool at HF is the same as the others,at least as near as I can tell.If there is a difference it must be in the metalurgy because I can't tell any difference in weight or anything else,well except price.I imagine I would have spent the $$$ on a name brand if I were a front end tech or did a lot of that type work.Other than the price I could not see or tell any differences.The name ones I have seen were about $90-130 for the base kit.When I looked at HF the extra anvils and tubes were listed for about $70.00 so even at full price the HF is a deal.
BTW I did not buy the extended kit,I had a hose barb to pipe connector at work that was the right diameter so I took a Portaband and cut my own spacer tubes.

tranz am · 01-15-2009, 09:35 PM

Yea, Im stooked! All I have to do now is install one brake line
than bolt up the roll pan and im ready!!
Man talk about fabrication. no one told me how much needed to be modified to make everything work. It feels good to be on the finishing end of it all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson_

Sweet I have to check this bad boy out at the meet!

Wilson_ · 01-25-2009, 05:31 AM

So are 72 upper and lower BJ's the same as 73-87 uppers and lowers?

**leddzepp** · 01-25-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson_

So are 72 upper and lower BJ's the same as 73-87 uppers and lowers?

no

Wilson_ · 01-25-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

no

well shoot, i have 73-87 uppers,73-87 spindals and 72 lowers

do i use the 72 lower bjs and 73+ uppers?

**leddzepp** · 01-25-2009, 06:04 PM

I believe* (not sure) the lower ball joints are the same. I know the 71-72 uppers and tie rod ends are different.

Wilson_ · 01-25-2009, 06:08 PM

ok, thanks this truck has parts form everything and i am just trying to sort it all out

01-08-2009, 11:41 PM	#1
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots Im about ready to install 73+ control arms on my 69 gmc. one of the lower ball joints is very wiggly and needs to be replaced. My question is how do I remove it? can I just beat it out of there or do I have to press it out using a tool. Also does anyone know where I can find some replacement ball joint boots? thanks __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

01-08-2009, 11:53 PM	#2
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots boots should come with the new ball joints, check in the box at the parts store. The lowers you can beat out from above with a BFH. Support the A-arm underneath with a block of wood placed behind the BJ, not under it, and smack away. You can get a loaner ball joint tool that will be helpful to remove and install your BJ's at the parts store too. This is probably what you want to do it with. The uppers you have to grind off the rivet heads then punch out the remainder of the rivets, the new ones will bolt in. Make sure you purchase the ball joints for the year of spindles that you will be using. Is there a reason why you aren't swapping the whole cross member? __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

01-10-2009, 04:02 AM	#3
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots great, thanks for the addvise! I guess I'll be wacking it out soon. I got one week until the northern california meet to put the front end back together with the 73+ arms and droped spindle! __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

01-10-2009, 06:36 AM	#4
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots Word of advice, replace both lower ball joints while the A-arms are still off. This will save you a lot of work later on. I would also do the upper ball joints too while the A-arms are off. It is a little easier to get at the rivets. But the uppers are still pretty easy to do on the truck later. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

01-10-2009, 09:24 AM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots I got some new boots at Advance in the "Help!" section. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-10-2009, 11:20 AM	#6
71tahoe Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 916	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots It may just be my experience with the ball joint press, but the last time I used one I was afraid I would break it. I did break a 1/2" ratchet. I think the LBJ was an oversize for worn out LCAs. Regardless, from now on it's worth $15 ea to take them to a machine shop.

01-10-2009, 12:19 PM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots The Ball joint press I bought was not set up to fit the ball joints on a 67-72 truck.I made some spacers for mine.They make a kit where it works with almost if not all ball joints but it is pricier than the ball joint press. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-10-2009, 12:35 PM	#8
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,641	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots I used a BFH on many of them but the proper way is to use a ball joint press/tool. You can probably rent/borrow one from one of the parts houses that have tool loan policies. Harbor freight has a knockoff unit for cheaps that is good enough to do your own with. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335 It is a knock off of the OTC unit that I have. http://www.handsontools.com/otc-7249...html?iorb=4764 The OTC set is pro tools that will last a couple of lifetimes if it is treated right. Before I had my tool I changed hundreds of them with a big hammer with the A arm setting on a jack stand and then knocked the ball joint back in the a arm with the same hammer. It is a whole lot easier and quicker with the tool though. By the way that tool will earn it's keep changing U joints. Makes a pain in the butt job a simple one. Last edited by mr48chev; 01-10-2009 at 12:40 PM.

01-10-2009, 05:21 PM	#9
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots great looks like it will be best to try and grab this tool for future use and time savings. thanks for all the great advise __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

01-10-2009, 05:25 PM	#11
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots Yeap get the tool, I bought one off the Mac Tool truck, It also good for replacing U joints. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff!

01-15-2009, 02:58 AM	#12
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots nice one. glad I bought this tool. realy did make this quicker. I also found several other uses for it sence i bought it. It works great for resetting calipers! thanks guys. Truck is almost done with the front end rebuild / 6" drop. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht Last edited by tranz am; 01-15-2009 at 03:00 AM.

01-15-2009, 03:15 AM	#13
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots ^Did you buy a cheapie or a good one? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

01-15-2009, 12:41 PM	#15
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots Thanks, I found the tool and the extra kit on their website. In the near future I'll be doing my S-10, 67, and someday the Silverado will need it done too. I imagine this would also work well for the trailing arm bushings? It should pay for itself __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 01-15-2009 at 12:44 PM.

01-15-2009, 12:45 PM	#16
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots I used the HF one as well. __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

01-15-2009, 06:12 PM	#18
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots The Ball joint tool at HF is the same as the others,at least as near as I can tell.If there is a difference it must be in the metalurgy because I can't tell any difference in weight or anything else,well except price.I imagine I would have spent the $$$ on a name brand if I were a front end tech or did a lot of that type work.Other than the price I could not see or tell any differences.The name ones I have seen were about $90-130 for the base kit.When I looked at HF the extra anvils and tubes were listed for about $70.00 so even at full price the HF is a deal. BTW I did not buy the extended kit,I had a hose barb to pipe connector at work that was the right diameter so I took a Portaband and cut my own spacer tubes. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 01-15-2009 at 06:13 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-25-2009, 05:31 AM	#20
Wilson_ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 451	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots So are 72 upper and lower BJ's the same as 73-87 uppers and lowers? __________________ Northern California Group Met list: Cyclone, KCJones, TranzAm, extd56, hotrodhomi, mnky30, Rokcrln, Brad, JerryJones, Petey-pablo, 72Subby

01-25-2009, 06:04 PM	#23
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots I believe* (not sure) the lower ball joints are the same. I know the 71-72 uppers and tie rod ends are different.

01-25-2009, 06:08 PM	#24
Wilson_ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 451	Re: help with lower ball joint and ball joint boots ok, thanks this truck has parts form everything and i am just trying to sort it all out __________________ Northern California Group Met list: Cyclone, KCJones, TranzAm, extd56, hotrodhomi, mnky30, Rokcrln, Brad, JerryJones, Petey-pablo, 72Subby

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.