Ball joints for a 1985 Chevy k10

[Decker1024]

I need some new ball joints but the mechanics around my area want a ridiculous amount of money to install them, was think of doing it myself but not sure what I need, was hoping someone could help me out, I'm 17 and absolutely love old Chevy trucks, I rebuilt the top end of my engine myself and want to learn more about these old Chevys, anything helps, thanks in advance

[Engineer]

There is a procedure that needs to be followed.

Special tools needed are the 4-prong spindle nut socket. A ball joint fork. There is a small spanner socket that you will need to preload the sleeve on the top balljoint stud.

Standard tools needed are needle nose pliers. Hex sockets for the tie rod nuts, upper ball joint lower ball joint. Snap ring pliers. Allen wrench for the lockout cap. And so on......

You'll also need access to a hydraulic press. Beating the old ball joints out is acceptable but the new ones need to be pressed in.

There is also a big c-clamp looking thing with a hole in it that is for pressing ball joints in. This can be used in lieu of the hydraulic press.

[Kren420]

http://www.delbridge.net/balljoints
I found this to be a useful link

[Blazin]

What is rediculous money?

[Decker1024]

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it, and they're asking around 3-400 per side, figured I could do it myself for cheaper as I already have most of the tools

[FlatBlack77]

thats not really all that much if you think about labor rate being $50-80 bucks an hour plus parts. I am NOT saying thats cheap but for a shop doing everything id say its resonable.

But its not the way to go. take your time and dont cut corners and you can do it yourself for the price of parts and probably the rental fee of a ball joint press kit like Engineer mentioned.

I did my 79's balljoints with the help of my stepdad in about 12 hours with a few setbacks and small issues like having to run to town for parts. not the fasted time in the world but it  was our first time with on a squarebody balljoint job

[Decker1024]

True, I just rather learn myself for future reference. Come March 20th when I get paid and have some time off I'll update you guys on how it goes, thanks for the help guys!

[Irish_Alley]

http://www.delbridge.net/balljoints
I found this to be a useful link

only problem thats 2wd. a 4wd is funner

[Irish_Alley]

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/chevy_truck_4wd_front_axle_ball_joint_replacement.html
all the times i taken mine apart i wouldnt think it would be that much But you do have to pretty much strip the axle down

[Irish_Alley]

i cant seam to find a write up on a 4x4 ball joint change that we have. if you dont mind take pictures and do a write up and we will put it in a good place

[Decker1024]

i cant seam to find a write up on a 4x4 ball joint change that we have. if you dont mind take pictures and do a write up and we will put it in a good place

Thanks for the input, and will do!

[Irish_Alley]

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=30551.0 sorry just found one. knew we had something but it was so long ago i forgot how he labeled it. moved it to the Tech section so it wont be lost again.


also if you dont want to you dont have to remove the steering arm. it does make it easier but its not required

[Engineer]

Don't skimp out on anything. While you are in there inspect, and replace anything that doesn't pass "the test"

Wheel bearings and races. Spindle bearings. Spindle seals. Axle u-joints.

At the least you'll want to repack your wheel bearings so buy new wheel (hub) seals to start.

[roundhouse]

Have fun finding ball joints that are no made in china


Make sure you ask and check the box.   Otherwise that's exactly what you're gonna get

I wound tapping them back in with a properly sized socket a hammer and a chunk of wood



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kren420]

http://www.delbridge.net/balljoints
I found this to be a useful link

only problem thats 2wd. a 4wd is funner

Doh!  Big fail on my part lol