[Guest]

What size receiver tube does one need to press the lower joints in?

Has anyone used the harbor frieght "us general" brand presses? They are only $29.99 and only come with 3 differant size tubes

2-3/4'' I.D. x 3'' O.D.
2-1/4'' I.D. x 2-1/2'' O.D.
1-3/4'' I.D. x 2'' O.D.

Is one of these the size I need?
Are they worth it?

 

[Guest]

Just replaced my balljoints this weekend. I borrowed a ball joint press from Autozone "OEM" brand, I bent the harbor frieght ball joint press I was using. As for which tube I used the biggest one. Have fun with those ball joints I know I did, damn rust.

 

[Guest]

Well, that kinda strikes that one off my list...

Does anyone know of a stronger yet still affordable ball joint press set?

Id like to buy the tool and have it than borrow one, but if there isnt any decent ones for less than 100 bucks (preferably much less) I guess I will.

 

[Guest]

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7249.html

I have the master OTC set which includes the balljoint set, does a good job.

Locally might try the different tool trucks (snap-on, mac etc), they usually can order OTC stuff.

 

[Guest]

i use a hammer and a socket........ but then again i like to hammer stuff. ESPECIALLY ford explorer balljoints!

 

[Guest]

Tip of the day. Put the new ball joints in the freezer the day before you do the work. They will contract just a little and make the instal go very easy.

 

[Guest]

I could of used that tip last week. That would of probably saved some time trying to press those ball joints in.

 

[Guest]

Thats one of the good things about the autozone rental program. If you want to keep the tool you can. You already paid for it.

 

[Guest]

Oh man, how cool is this, I can do the LBJ myself. Heh- the tool will pay for itself first time out..............

 

[Guest]

Just as a note, the kit in the SJD link is identical to the $30 harbor freight one and I've used in LBJ's with no problems and it has saved me HUNDREDS on control arm bushings for my Tahoe, and soon my SS.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by eagle-co94:
Just as a note, the kit in the SJD link is identical to the $30 harbor freight one and I've used in LBJ's with no problems and it has saved me HUNDREDS on control arm bushings for my Tahoe, and soon my SS.

Visually the harbor freight might look identical.
Qualitywise the HF will break long before the OTC model will.

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys, final question- do I need to take the lower A- arm off the care to replace the BJ? And wehre do I get this OTC peice?