Ball Joints Can I Do It Myself Or Do I Need Special Tools

[chuckles_kingranch]

i have a 04 king ranch 3/4 ton. clucks real bad when i hit a bump just replaced some tierod ends nothing else i can see or pry on that moves so i was wondering if i need any special tool to replace the ball joints because i think that is the next step i need to do?

[Mike&April]

Did you check the ball joints?
They are easy to check. Jack the truck up on the axle and watch the joints, especially the lowers whlie trying to move the wheel up and down. Use light pressure with a pry bar if you want.

There is a special tool for 4X4 trucks as you will need to replace the hub seals when you do the joints.

Hope this helps.

[md18]

Originally Posted by chuckles_kingranch

i have a 04 king ranch 3/4 ton. clucks real bad when i hit a bump just replaced some tierod ends nothing else i can see or pry on that moves so i was wondering if i need any special tool to replace the ball joints because i think that is the next step i need to do?

Definitly check for any play in the balljoints like mike&april said but i would bet the sway bar links/bushings are worn out.

[Austinj427]

Rent a press from checker. like 200 bucks for a deposit, essentially free if you return it within 3 days.

Oh yeah and check the hubs before too.

[Mike&April]

You can get a ball joint press from Harbor Freight for $60 we have this kit at work and have used it alot w/ no problems. Here is a link- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

The seal driver I mentioned is also about $60 from Carquest.
OTC makes the tool here is a link OTC Tool Manufacturer for Cars and Trucks : Products

This job is not really that bad with these tools.

[wingnut]

got my ball joint kit from powerstrokeshop.com for 300 clams

got my ball joint press at auto zone...160 bucks, return it within a year and get yer cash back.

for the seals...bring your axles to ford along with a 6 pack of corona, and you WILL find a tech to press em on for the beer