REPLACING BALL JOINTS:

[Stewart G Griffin]

Please list, exactly and in great detail, how to replace ball joints.  Also, please list any special tools that will be nessesary.

[vroom88]

well i forgot how to do  the bottom balljoints but with the top ones if they are the factory ones your gonna have some problems you will run into . for your list of tools you'll need a grinder and a punch and a hammer. first you need to grind the heads off the factory rivets and then punch them out

[VileZambonie]

Ok I could tell you exactly what you would need to do your ball joints in GREAT detail but you would need to tell us in GREAT detail what you have for a vehicle?  

[Stewart G Griffin]

83 c-10 2wd

I think i need to replace only the left lower to pass inspection.

[123 pugsy]

Assuming its a 2 wheel drive:

The lower ball joints are pressed in to the control arm.The worst case is that you will need a new control arm if the hole has become too large.

The first thing you need will be a coil spring compressor.

Jack up the truck and support.

remove wheel

Compress coil spring

Remove 4 nuts at "U" bolts

Disconnect the shock at the control arm

Remove cotter pin and castle nut from ball joint

Support control arm with floor jack

Use a fork to pry open connection at spindle and lower.

Take control arm and new ball joint to someone with a press or use a very large vise if you have one to get the old one out and press in the new one.

Well..................something like that...........good luck

Edited by: 123 pugsy at: 9/2/06 5:34 pm

[Stewart G Griffin]

What ball joint press will fit the 73-87 2 wheel drives?

[Dronkey]

Hi,

New here so bare with me. Also, I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have an 81 K20 and I need to replace the balls joints in it. Can anybody tell me how to replace'em? I was told they might have to be pressed in and then others told I won't.

Any reply would be greatly appreciated.

[VileZambonie]

You will need to disassemble the hub assy, remove the brakes, axle, etc.  Disconnect the tie rod, upper and lower ball joint and remove the steering knuckle. Remove the snap rings and using a ball joint press, presss out the balljoints, press in the new ones, then put it all back together.

[VileZambonie]

Here's the procedure out of the manual...

Notes

Tools Required: J-9519-1O Ball Joint Fixture, J-23454-1 Lower Ball Joint Spacer, J-23454-3 or J-6382 Upper Ball Joint Spacer, J-23454-4 Upper and Lower Bail Joint Sleeve.

Raise the vehicle and support with suitable safety stands. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

Remove or disconnect


Wheel hub/rotor assembly.
Spindle.


 





Steering knuckle and steering arm. Remove the steering arm only when removing the left axle yoke ball joints. Place the steering knuckle in a vise.


 





Lower ball joint. Must be removed before any service can be done to the upper ball joint. Snap ring from the lower ball joint. Use J-9519-10, J-23454-1, J-23454-4 or equivalent. Tighten until the ball joint breaks free of the steering knuckle.


 





Upper ball joint. Use J-9519-10, J-23454-3 (or J-6382-3) and J-23454-4. Tighten until the ball joint breaks free of the steering knuckle. Install or Connect Tools Required: J-9519-10 Ball Joint Fixture, J-23454-2 Upper and Lower Ball Joint Sleeve J-23454-3 or J-6382-3 Upper, and Lower Ball Joint Spacer


 





Lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. The ball joint (no cotter pin hole in the threaded end) must be positioned straight. Use J-9519-10, J-23454-2, and J-23454-3 or J-6382-3. Tighten until the ball joint fully seats.


 





Upper ball joint into the steering knuckle. Use J-9519-10, J-23454-2, and J-23454-3 or J-6382-3. Tighten until the ball joint fully seats.
Steering arm and steering knuckle. Steering arm only if removed.
Spindle.
Wheel hub/rotor assembly.
Adjust the wheel bearings.
Wheel and tire assembly.
Check the front end alignment.
Lower the vehicle to the ground.

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, if i could re-hijack my own thread, thank you very much, my 2.9 inch reciever tube is too long.   Only an inch or so too long.   I can't fit the press in to remove the lower ball joint.

Any suggestions?