new front end

[ksczesny]

6hrs total to do hubs,axle joints and ball joints. Not bad for the first time and considering the dealer wanted $1800. If anyone is doing this in the near future the most important thing to do weeks in advance is use some PB or Kroil on everything.

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

I need to replace my ball joints but I've heard it cab be somewhat treacherous. I'm learning how to work on my truck one thing at a time and have zero previous experience. Is this something I should tackle myself?

 

[Shadrach]

The job can be a pain and you need the proper tools. Some people are more mechanically inclined than others. Make sure you allow lots of time. Don't start the project on Sun PM and expect it to be running for Mon AM.



I tried to rent a BJ tool but they were so beat up I just went and bought a cheap "Universal Ball Joint Tool for 4X4s". It was a bit on the small side and we had to be creative with the adapters. My buddy is a HD mechanic and he did most of the grunt work. I did the hubs myself and used an old piece of solid round bar as a tool to push out the hubs. It would have been a lot easier with some help. Th Snap-on tool would have made it a lot easier doing it solo. It's like a deep socket, but extra long and solid steel. You put the socket end over the backed off hub bolt and crank the wheels with the engine running. Briefly crank it till it hits the end stops and back off. Do this 2 or 3 time and the hub will come out of its "seat". Move the tool to the next of the 4 bolts and repeat. Be careful not to hold the wheel cranked at the end for long as it is hard on the power steering hoses. We have all "heard" people in parking lots who have cranked the wheels all the way thinking it will help them turn sharper and the pump is just "screaming".



Do a search on here. There is lot of info about doing this job. Good Luck.

Shadrach