I meant it as a general statement about using forks, like if he is taking off the tie rod to completely remove the knuckle. Should have explained my self better, sorry.

 

thanks for all your input..i appreciate it. i am going to take into consideration everything that was posted. i am planning on doing them this weekend. i'm hoping everything goes well, i will definitely post back on how it goes and i will try to upload pics and such..thanks again.

 

if you end up with a kit that does not have the right length spacers
sometimes a one inch drive socket set will allow you to rig up
improvised spacers to create a combination that will work

 

remember to put the ball joints in the freezer before installing them, the cold shrinks them and makes them easier to install.


I didnt use a press on mine, just a C-clamp, some sockets (used as spacers) and when they got in far enough, I used a hammer to finish the job. I.E. piece of steel ontop of the spacer and nice even hits.

ball joints suck

 

thanks for the tips!!! i appreciate it, going to do them this weekend, can't wait to get them done!!!

 

Weird. I found it easier to use the press to get them into place. Not enough throw with a hammer.

 

didnt need much room just some nice even taps was enough to drive them into place. The biggest bitch was keeping them straight when i started

 

Yup when I did them on the Chevy I found it easier to press them in. The Impact wrench came in super handy when using that press though.

 

Just did mine yesterday. If you have a parts store nearby just rent their c-clamp press and the adapter kit for 4wd vehicles. Its not that hard with the right tools. Here is a little writeup that helped me figure out how to use the press.

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/balljoint.php

It really was pretty easy. Not sure why everyone hates doing them, following the advice in that article I had no problems. The only deviation was not using a pickle fork to separate the knuckle from the factory ball joints, I just used a small 3lb sledge and gave it a couple whacks around the joint until it popped loose (similar to how I remove a tie rod end). Hope this helps.

 

sunday got the lowers out.. monday got the tops out .... today got all four pressed in ,,, i read the diy at pavementsucks.com but mines a 2wd so it was a little bit diff,... i took alot of pics hope to post soon.... sorry for spelling i'm so tired, long day