2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Aftermarket suspension tools - what do you use?

[tomblue01]

Instead of C-4212F, the Miller ball joint press, what do you use?

C-4150A, the pitman arm remover?

C-3894-A, the 2-jaw puller?

The prices on the above are... very high. While tools can be rented from Advance Auto Parts, I am interested in owning my own set. I've come across Sunex, Performance Tool, OTC, Astro, ABN, GoPlus... I just don't know what's a decent value vs. what's crap. That's where you all can help out. What brand do you own, and did it perform well for you?

 

[Bob4x4]

When it comes to the pitman arm tool get the best the others will break or not get the job done.The factory tool or Snap on.OTC used to be good but now many of them are made in china

 

[Wayne M.]

I agree with Bob on the pitman tool. For a ball joint press, a OTC press kit with the lesser amount of adapters, and Harbor Freights adapter set has been very good to me- for U joints too.
Check amazon and Tooltopia.com for good deals on OTC items.

 

[GrantP]

I'll third the Snap On pitman arm puller. I have broken way too many other pullers and finally bit the bullet for the Snap On. No surprise, it works fantastic.

I used OTC 7249 for the ball joints on my second gen. It is very heavy duty but IIRC I had to get creative with the adapters to get the job done but the press itself is solid.

Sometimes you do get what you pay for on tools...

 

[BLNRAY]

check out tooltopia.com,good prices name brands

 

[Wayne M.]

I'll third the Snap On pitman arm puller. I have broken way too many other pullers and finally bit the bullet for the Snap On. No surprise, it works fantastic.

I used OTC 7249 for the ball joints on my second gen. It is very heavy duty but IIRC I had to get creative with the adapters to get the job done but the press itself is solid.

Sometimes you do get what you pay for on tools...

The Harbor adapter set completes the press.

 

[tomblue01]

Thanks guyz. I welcome other folks to chime in too. A search at snapon.com reveals that they sell OTC as well as their own.
Keep throwing in those 2 pennies!

 

[MartyK]

I agree buy the quality heavy duty tools. You buy them once and you're done. Most of the rental tools from the auto parts stores are better suited for the average car not a heavy duty truck. I've found that when you have the right tools it makes the job more enjoyable to do. Check out tooltopia.com, a lot of good deals and free shipping when you spend over $75.