? for River Beast--ball joints?

[bignblue]

Todd, I seem to remember you holding forth on the topic of ball joints. There is a possibility (evidenced by tire wear) that my ball joints will need replacing. I know that NAPA offers the part, but I haven't called for pricing. What kind of cost is involved here? What else would I need to get besides the ball joints themselves? How difficult of an R&R is this?

[ClarkGriswald]

I changed my own..

At the local parts stores they were around 26 bucks a piece..

I got a pair from Krage motorsports for the same 26 bucks. (half price).

I also got the balljoint press kit from harbor frieght tools for like 54 bucks or so..

Basically its a REALLLLY thick heavy duty C clamp..
With the right adapters to fit to different applications.

Under a 100 dollars I did one side.. another 26 bucks and I could have done the other side..

I got the torque specs from a TSM..

Ya torque the bottom balljoint first, then the threaded sleeve that goes in the top.. And finally the top Nut.

Did it all in like 2 hours. hardest part was gettin the steering knuckle off as mine was pretty rusty in that area...

[ibnfe]

If there's any hint of your bearings being bad, this would be the prime time to do those as well. Also, if you want to check the ball joints, get the tire off the ground, have a helper use a large pry bar (wrecking bar, the big "nail puller" kind) and try to pry the tire outward while watching the ball joint. You will see side to side play if they need replacing.

[Ralph]

Ditto what Clark said. I did mine recently, as well, and the best deal I could find was at Krage.

I "rented" the balljoint press from AutoZone, where you pay full price for the tool and then get refunded 100% when you bring it back.

Also, there was a sequence for torquing the upper and lower balljoints that wasn't written in the Haynes manual. In the middle of the job, I got on this forum and Bob Barry gave me correct advice. Very important to do this properly.

[River Beast]

BnB,

The best way to check your blaljoints..that I know of.... is like this:

1. Jack up the tire about 2" off the ground.
2. Place a prybar under the tire and lift up and down and observe the balljoints.

Two people are good for this method... if the joints are back you will see play and movement.

ClarkGriswald gave you a great shout on the rundown.... god job Jason... ;)