How difficult to replace ball joints?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
How difficult to replace ball joints?
I will be replacing the rack and pinion on my '84 in the near future. How difficult is it to replace the ball joints as well? Is there anything in the knowledge base, like instructions?
Neal :confused:
Neal :confused:
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Tollhouse Ca
Re: How difficult to replace ball joints? (nrens)
I did my lowers about a year ago and although I wouldn't say it was hard I would say it is a PITA ... but I'd rather :steering: them than work on them :D
You can borrow a ball joint press and a pickle fork from Autozone. The rest of the tools you'll need are basic
You can borrow a ball joint press and a pickle fork from Autozone. The rest of the tools you'll need are basic
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: How difficult to replace ball joints? (nrens)
Lower ball joint will require a press. For the upper you need to drill off the rivet heads then use a punch to knock the rivet out. This sometimes takes persuasion :smash: You can get a front suspension kit with balljoints and poly bushings here www.p-s-t.com
[Modified by Bluevette85, 7:20 PM 3/10/2003]
[Modified by Bluevette85, 7:20 PM 3/10/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: How difficult to replace ball joints? (nrens)
You don't mention the uppers, but those are a real PITA!!!!!! It's the drilling the rivets out that sucks!
I did all mine with a hydraulic press. The lowers go out with a BANG! Freeze them the night before you do the job. Consider doing the bushings since the arms will be out anyway. More than likely they are really worn. May I recommend poly bushings.
Tedious, time consuming job.
How mechanically inclined are you?
Maybe a search of the archives on "ball joints" will reveal more insight.
I did all mine with a hydraulic press. The lowers go out with a BANG! Freeze them the night before you do the job. Consider doing the bushings since the arms will be out anyway. More than likely they are really worn. May I recommend poly bushings.
Tedious, time consuming job.
How mechanically inclined are you?
Maybe a search of the archives on "ball joints" will reveal more insight.
