Look what Brown brought me!

[AMink]

Got these yesterday. Now, is it something I do myself or pay a pro? They're so nice I hate to put them where they can't be seen!

 

[analog]

I'm sorry!

Speaking from recent experience, if you can afford it, pay for a pro to do it. This is not an easy job! But, you always have the old adage: If you want something done right... Well, you know how that goes. Good luck, and you got some nice units there. Hopefully the last time you have to do this job!

 

[DNDracing]

Let us know how you like the Cari's. I will be in need of new ball joints this year, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to spend the money on the Carli's, but haven't completely committed to it, it's just so much $$$$ even though everything you read about them on here is nothing but good things.

 

[AMink]

I'm sorry!

Speaking from recent experience, if you can afford it, pay for a pro to do it. This is not an easy job! But, you always have the old adage: If you want something done right... Well, you know how that goes. Good luck, and you got some nice units there. Hopefully the last time you have to do this job!

I think I did them on my '97 but it's been so long I can't remember how it went. I must have gotten them in since the truck got back on the road...

 

[DNDracing]

It is a big job, but can be done. You can get a ball joint press from most of the big chain auto parts stores. I've done them more times than I care to remember on my 90, 95 (which I sold) and my 05.

 

[jelag]

What I'd like to know is who's ball joint press did you use? buy? rent?

 

[AEdelheit]

I've done probably 8 sets, with the large OTC press it's pretty easy, but a normal automotive press makes it much harder.

 

[NGuzik]

Just did a set in my dads in his 03 and it was pretty painless, also a good time to check/grease your axle u joints and wheel bearing. It did help that my buddy let me borrow his hd ball joint press.

 

[Mark31]

Got these yesterday. Now, is it something I do myself or pay a pro? They're so nice I hate to put them where they can't be seen!

AMink, it took "4 forevers" to get mine after I ordered 'em. And after they came in, I decided to wait until I could scare up a little (gold) dust and do the Dynatrack/Dynalocks while everything was apart. I helped a young man at my friend's shop put mine in. The biggest problem we had was jury rigging spacers on the bj press. Maybe DNDracing can tell us a brand that does a good job. When you get the Carlis in, it would very much surprise me if you said that it was not money well spent.

 

[jelag]

AEdelheit... could you check the kit # of the OTC press... . it looks like there are 3-4 different sets... it looks to me that the # 7249 kit would work... they all seem to use the same c-press just some come with more adapters than others...

 

[AEdelheit]

8031, it's about $275 on Amazon. It makes the job a lot easier !

 

[Motorhead]

8031, it's about $275 on Amazon. It makes the job a lot easier !

Does this press work on a 2007 4x4? I looked it up by the model number and it says it covers up to 2004 but I see that your truck is a 2004. 5
Amazon is by far the cheapest. I saw prices up to $450. Amazon is $271 right now.

 

[AEdelheit]

It's the same basic axle from 2003 to current, some changes but the press will work well for all the trucks. Using Anti seize around the BJ when pressing the new ones in will help too.

 

[seafish]

I remember someone posting about outting the new BJ in the freezer the night before the install and taking the out only when you are going to press them in... made pressing them in much easier because they were fractioanlly smaller from being cold... haven't done it, but thought that it was a great idea!!

 

[AEdelheit]

Ya that can help, realistically though they go in pretty easy with that OTC press, If your using a cheap small press the freezer wouldn't hurt!

 

[rscurtis]

I found a nice, used Snap-On BJP-1 on ebay for $400. I haven't needed it yet, the BJ's on my signature truck are still good. When you're done with it, resell it and get your money back. The nice feature of this tool is that the adapters clip together, you don't need three hands to use it.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I use the Miller-SPX tool C4212F tool with adapter kit 8975. The shape of the axle housing and the machined step usually prevents the average ball joint press from being able to install the upper joint straight in the bore. The only thing that works as good is a shop press, but it's hard to hold the axle and manipulate it in the press... .



https://millerspecialtools.spx.com/Detail.aspx?id=709

 

[DNDracing]

I know this reply is late to the party now, but I used whatever press the local auto parts store "loaned" me. Most likely Autozone or O'Reilly's. Not sure make or model, but I know both of them were China made tools. For the most part, they get the job done with no issue, but I do remember breaking the c-clamp press one time, took it back to the auto parts, and they gave me another one.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Ahhh, the local Orielly's here didn't have the correct ball adapter to press the joint back in on '03+ trucks. It canted the press, making it drive the joint in at an angle... ... That's been a few years so maybe they've updated it?

 

[Shadrach]

I installed Dyna Trac BJ's in my 03. I bought a universal press but it was almost too small. Fortunately I had my friend who is a HD mechanic ( and Dodge/Cummins nut ) help me. He is good at making things fit. At the same time we also installed new u joints ( it's a 4 x 4 ) and did the Dyna Trac front hubs. Shad