01 Dakota 4x4 front lower ball joint removal
#13
That's a thought. Have someone else press them out. Are they doing all the work, and you provide the ball joints? You'd kiind of have to. I should look around for a shop that will do the work if I provide the parts. I wonder if Advance Auto will loan a ball joint press?
Oh, and the rule is.... Force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway. And, yeah, I have a couple of BFHs (Big F'in Hammers). hehehehe
//edit: I called the local Advance. They have the greasable Moogs in stock and have a ball joint press kit that they will loan for free. The ball joints are the same price I'm seeing on line. About $75/ea. I'm seeing these kits on eBay with all 4 ball joints for about $60, but they look like low-end OE stuff that's not greasable. So it'll cost $150 to replace them, as opposed to the stealership charging $900.
Oh, and the rule is.... Force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway. And, yeah, I have a couple of BFHs (Big F'in Hammers). hehehehe
//edit: I called the local Advance. They have the greasable Moogs in stock and have a ball joint press kit that they will loan for free. The ball joints are the same price I'm seeing on line. About $75/ea. I'm seeing these kits on eBay with all 4 ball joints for about $60, but they look like low-end OE stuff that's not greasable. So it'll cost $150 to replace them, as opposed to the stealership charging $900.
Last edited by JohnnyTooBad; 01-22-2009 at 10:40 AM.
#14
My plan is to cut off the top caps with a die grinder or diamond cutting bit in a dremmel, then maybe drill some holes in the top of the ball joint so that it has room to collapse a bit. I may heat the control arm with an LP torch and put some non flammable lube in there, then beat the crap out of it with a 5lb hammer. And toughts on whether this would work or not?
#15
ok got mine all done. I also changed all the control arm bushings and sway bar bushings. I used to hear creaks N squeaks in the front when its cold outside, but now it is quiet and feels better too. seriously, unless you just want to play with the press just pay somebody $50 to do it.
anyway hope you get it
anyway hope you get it
#16
#17
My plan is to cut off the top caps with a die grinder or diamond cutting bit in a dremmel, then maybe drill some holes in the top of the ball joint so that it has room to collapse a bit. I may heat the control arm with an LP torch and put some non flammable lube in there, then beat the crap out of it with a 5lb hammer. And toughts on whether this would work or not?
Respectfully
Rob