2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball joint press recommendation?

[GrantP]

I've had a "clunk" in the front suspension for a few months and finally have tracked it down to a lower ball joint. Jacking up the front tire about an inch and placing a wonder bar underneath for leverage, there is clearly a lot of movement in the lower joint. I have no fear in taking on this job but I do not own a ball joint press and was wondering what others have used? I don't really mind buying the right tool for the job but a $300 ball joint press seems a little over the top. Are there any lower priced options out there that will do the job? I don't replace ball joints for a living so this tool may or may not ever get used again. If I have to dump a lot of money into the right tools I may just pay a shop to do it. Any leads on a reasonably priced press that will work would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JMcCoy]

I hate buying anything from China, but Harbor Freight has the basic ball joint/u-joint kit for $59. 99. That's the one I used. I think I had to use a socket or two as well. Maybe that was for the u-joints. They also have also have a more extensive kit for around $80. 00, if I remember correctly. If I were doing it for a living, I wouldn't by it, but for your average shade tree mechanic (THERE'S NEVER SHADE #@$%!) it did fine.



Make sure you at least have a small propane torch. They are very cheap. I had to use an O/A torch for mine. I would also inspect your hub bearings and u-joints while you have it apart. Good luck

 

[dcoffman]

I took my 3500 to my front end man . He replaced them for $125. 00 labor. The joints cost me the same as they do him. For $125, I felt it was worth the trouble.

 

[GrantP]

I ended up buying the OTC 7249 press for $85 through amazon (Grainger wanted $200 so shop around). It has a very heavy frame and looks to be of high quality. I put it to use this morning to replace the driver side balljoints and it worked fine, the frame didn't flex at all and the screw still turns smoothly. The only minor issue is that the lower ball stud was a little larger than the adapters would allow to pass through so that required a little creativity. I still removed/installed the joints in the knuckle with nothing more than the parts in the OTC kit though. Four hours later the clunk is gone.

dcoffman - If I had any quotes even close to $125 for all ball joints I would've farmed out this job too. Quotes I received were more like $125 per individual ball joint.

 

[dcoffman]

I'm talking just labor. The whole job was around $650. You know they make two different ball joints for these trucks. Some shop put in the cheaper ones and they go bad within two years. I opoted for the heavier one with a lifetime warranty. they were like $250 apiece. 4 hours at &115 an hour=$460+$85=$545. So you still saved some money.

The $115/hr is what my guy charges. It may be more/less in you part of the woods.