2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Who makes the best ball joint press?

[Gordon Maney]

For those of you who have purchased a ball joint press to replace ball joints, what have you found to be the best one, and why?



Also, I have separating forks, but consider getting a tie rod separator of the sort with a forcing screw, so as to not damage the dust boots. Have you purchased one of those, what brand, where did you get it, do you think it was worth getting?

 

[willyslover]

suggest renting it at one of the auto parts stores... as they are expensive and unless you need one for business or wheeling frequently they are not worth the investment as they are pricey



as to a source... Snap On has them [again very pricey for a home owner type use] ... as well as most tool truck guys. . OTC tools has them and many retailers carry OTC, probably available thru Napa also.

 

[Gordon Maney]

suggest renting it at one of the auto parts stores... as they are expensive and unless you need one for business or wheeling frequently they are not worth the investment as they are pricey



as to a source... Snap On has them [again very pricey for a home owner type use] ... as well as most tool truck guys. . OTC tools has them and many retailers carry OTC, probably available thru Napa also.

quad4x4 sells one they have made that has a larger frame than the OTC or Miller Service Tools unit. It is expensive, but nothing like the Snap-On. According to the fellow at quad4x4, it is better suited for the dimension of parts and assemblies found on these trucks.

 

[lrox]

I have an OTC kit with full adaptor set. I have used this set quite a bit on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with no problems at all. The two sets ran about 250-300 and I have seen them on e-bay.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Does anyone know if the OTC adapters will fit the quad4x4 press?

 

[WBusa]

Just about an hour ago I purchased a "Pitman Arm Puller" off the shelf from NAPA for $35 that looks like it will do the job on my tie rod ends (once I grind the nipple off the screw). I'll know in a couple of hours how well it works; I'll let you know.

 

[fishjack1]

Here is the pitman arm puller that I have used with success - there cheap but they work.



Pitman Arm Puller



Because I am not a full time mechanic I often buy these "disposable" tools.

 

[WBusa]

POP! The $35 "Pitman Arm Puller" I bought from NAPA today works great on the tie rod. You'll need to take a grinding wheel to it first, since the end of the screw has a sharp nipple on it you'll want to grind off. Takes about 10 seconds.