I am about to replace the ball joints on my '96 Ram 1500 and am trying to find the proper press tool. I have been told it is hard to find the right one because an extra long "c" clamp is required. Any help will be greatly appreciated !!

 

Go to advance and get the rental tool. Nothing special is required, however you MUST do the lower ball joint first. You'll see why once your doing it lol but with the lower joint out, you can get the press on the upper one no problem. There is a "how to" on here somewhere although I don't believe it's in the FAQ section...the one in there is for 2wd trucks, although the process is very similar

 

Here it is! https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-tech/297304-diy-write-up-how-to-replace-dodge-ram-ball-joints-and-wheel-bearings.html

 

I picked one up at Harbor Freight for about $70.00, worked fine. I try to avoid HF for tools but some of their stuff for occasional use is more than adequate.... especially considering a decent one starts at about $150.00.

I also used it to press out u-joints and it worked great.

 

Just to throw my two cents in here, I went and rented the biggest press they had at my local auto parts store, and to my suprise they did not fit the ball joints. What i ended up doing was holding the top threaded part with a wrench and using a dewalt saw with a metal blade to shorten them and then use the press with an impact drill. worked like a charm. Oh and by the way check the way they press in, I remember them not being how i thought they would. You'll know which way they press in by the retaining clip. Just wanted to throw that in because i remember complaining about my upper ball joins not wanting to come out only to find out i was pressing them into the slot lol.

 

The rental units most discount parts stores are adequate...the problem is sometimes finding one that isn't ruined before you try to use it.
Normally you'd pop out the upper joint first unless you have the truck high enoungh. The trick isn't the press but prepping the rusted ball joints with enough GOOD penetrating oil to break the rust loose I ended up using a ball pien hammer to strike the "C" (what the joints are pressed into) while under pressure from the press untill they popped loose.

 

+1 I got the HF one. Bent the C and was still able to complete the task. Returned the damaged thing. I'm good with that.

 

I usually just knock 'em out with a hammer..... (air powered....) and press in the new ones. The vibrations from the hammer really help the penetrent do its job.

 

I use a good old OTC u-joint/ball joint press, when renting one make sure all the adapters are in the kit. Start with the top one and away you go.

 

+2 on the Harbor Freight press - it worked fine and was used it to remove and install the upper and lower ball joints on my Ram 2500 4x4. After I completed the job, I inspected the press closely and noticed that it was starting to bend and crack across the 'C' section. Guess the press had a hard time standing up to the 3/4" IR impact wrench and the siezed/rusted ball joints!