In 2009 I put a 3" leveling kit on and 1" coil spacers. The angle of the upper control arm was too much and ruined everything. I just replaced Upper Control Arms and Tie Rod ends. New Rancho Struts and Shocks, and removed the coil spacers. My lower ball joint to my knowledge looked in good condition and with no access to a balljoint press,so I left them in. This was a all day event Sunday, Monday went to get alignment and they saidlower ball joints were shot. Knowing they are pressed in, and NOW after talking to a friend I have access to a ball joint press, what is the easiestand quickest way to replace them?

I also put drilled and slotted roters w/ new brakes!

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3" Leveling kit- Rancho's All around- 265/75R16 BFG Rugged Terrains- Custom Short Ram Intake- Flowmaster 40 w/ custom 3" stacks- Black housing headlights 6k HID- Custom HarleyDavidson Shifter -

 

A Leveling kit is a Coil Spacer on these trucks.
People regularly get warned on here about going over 2.5" in 4x4, And even 2wd is still iffy. I went with a 1.5" on my 2wd.

Ive had both my Lower Ball-joints replaced (before leveling kit) and it didnt cost much at my mechanic, about $200ish each or something, Both are greasable aswell.

 

Easiest way is to rent a balljoint press. Press the old ones out, press the new ones in. I hope your not 4x4. With a 3" leveling kit, you will be replacing front end stuff all the time.

 

Mine is 2wd and Yes I had a leveling kit and Coil Spacers. Levling kit goes on top of coil, coil spacers get wedged between coil to spread coil, 1 on each side to produce 1" lift. Mine is 2wd. I like to do all my own mechanic work, instead of paying. I get the satisfaction knowing I did it, and alittle bit more knowledge! I have plenty of tools from when I used to work construction, but never really needed a ball joint press before!


I will have access to a ball joint press this time! I wish it was 4x4...


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3" Leveling kit- Rancho's All around- 265/75R16 BFG Rugged Terrains- Custom Short Ram Intake- Flowmaster 40 w/ custom 3" stacks- Black housing headlights 6k HID- Custom HarleyDavidson Shifter -

 

Finished up everything this weekend!! Timed everything! It was fun!

April 28th
For the Rear Shocks- Right under 25mins. (I have stacks no exhaust in the way!!!)

UpperControl Arms, Tie Rod ends, Struts, Brakes and Rotors, Removed 1”coil spacers. –10hrs (had a stripped bolt on leveling kit, took a little longer than expected).

May 4th
Replaced Lower ball joints- Left side 7hrs (Figuring out how to do it). Right side 1 hour.

Hereare some pics.

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Plenty of room!
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you can see the coil spacers I spoke of in the coil.
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(bumper not finished yet)
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When your alone and need 2 hands to use the tiny Retaining clip pliers you have and need a 3rd set of hands to push it on, you use your head!
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haha...great work. I do all my stuff by myself mostly. I think eveolution will eventually catch up and us gearheads will evolve to have three arms/hands. Now, time to paint those calipers!!! lol

 

Great work! Thanks for the times. I think I've got ball joints coming up this summer, maybe struts too!

Wait! No fair! Only two-wheel drive! I call FOUL on the times! LOL!

 

Thankyou, I was thinking of painting my calipers, but what color should I paint my Calipers?? Here is a recent pic. The only thing I can think that will look nice is maybe Silver, or Red due to my new Rancho shocks & struts.

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stacks.jpg

3" Leveling kit- Rancho's All around- 265/75R16 BFG Rugged Terrains- Custom Short Ram Intake- Flowmaster 40 w/ custom 3" stacks- Black housing headlights 6k HID- Custom HarleyDavidson Shifter -