Otc 8031 press

[Herman8r]

Changing ball joints in my 2006 4x4.
Has anyone used this press for this application?

The documentation from OTC only shows up to 2004 models.

Thanks,
Herman

 

[jelag]

I used the OTC press on my 05 with no problem... but later found a made in china press for either 39.00 or 49.00 delivered that I bought that was as good as the OTC and a direct copy.... I found it on EBay... it was in a Yellow plastic box and looked the same in the box as the OTC.... in either case I ended up with a 1/4" thick spacer from a piece of scrap medal... I've not done 2 different trucks with the same success...

I didn't have to heat mine up to press the old ones out... but I've read where some of the guys have had to do that... I actually thought about heating to see if they would drop into place... I know that 500*F wouldn't hurt that metal... but they pressed in as well... I did put some penetrating oil on them as I pressed them out and some anti-seize on the new ones going in....

Hope this helps..

 

[Wayne M.]

I use a similar otc press with the adapter set from harbor freight. I havent come across a job it wouldnt do. Great for u joints too!

 

[seafish]

Just borrowed a similar one from my freind who owns a garage...it worked flawlessy on the balljoint removal and reinstall of Carlis on my 2005.
All that being said, used a simply vice and brass hammer for the ujoint replacements as the OTC was a little unwieldy for the axle and driveshaft ujoints.

 

[Herman8r]

Thanks for the info. I have the 8031 kit which has a bunch of adaptors. I will have to sort out which adaptors work as the manual only goes to 2004 model year.

Not sure how I will I will torque the nuts back on to 180#s. My 1" drive impact will do the job of removal of the ball joints. I plan on installing new hubs & u joints while I have everything apart

 

[RDeFayette]

Thanks for the info. I have the 8031 kit which has a bunch of adaptors. I will have to sort out which adaptors work as the manual only goes to 2004 model year.

Not sure how I will I will torque the nuts back on to 180#s. My 1" drive impact will do the job of removal of the ball joints. I plan on installing new hubs & u joints while I have everything apart

anti-sieze on the hubs upon re-installation. Makes -em REAL easy to take off next time.
Toss the ball joints in the freezer a day or 2 before you plan on doing this. shrinks 'em up a little.
Take 'em out 1 ata time just as you are ready to put it in.
I did this then packed 'em dry ice 3 hours before install.
Dropped right in. Literally. you only get ONE shot though. once the ambient temp of the axle draws the cold out of the BJ that's where they stay.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

I'm starting the prep to get everything needed to do ball joints "some day". Mine are still in OK condition, but I might do them this summer. Seems like this OTC 8031 kit is the one to use, right?

Steve

 

[Herman8r]

Steve, this worked great for my 2006. I think the 2003 is the same as the 2006.
Herman

 

[Herman8r]

Steve, if you email me next week (I'll be back in the office after the 26th) & I will get the part #'s for the adapters if you want to just get those parts instead of an entire kit.
Herman

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Herman, I'll PM you next week. Thanks!

Steve