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2jeepsforus
04-10-2007, 12:28 PM
What tools do you guys recommend for removing/installing ball joints? I was looking at renting one, but the price is pretty bad, and I would rather just buy one.

I was looking at something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M61L64/ref=nosim/?tag=nextag-tools-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B000M61L64&linkCode=asn


But I don't want to pay that much either, I would like to spend around $40-60
Thanks,
Dave

Sudz
04-10-2007, 12:32 PM
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/retail_stores.taf#PA

Krash80
04-10-2007, 12:36 PM
The harbor freight one isn't terrible, but when I used it to do BJ's on a ford D60, the main "C" started to crack a bit. It does the job but it's not the strongest thing ever made. The good part though is it has a lifetime warranty so you can always return it for a new one.

Skyline
04-10-2007, 12:55 PM
These Chineese made presses are crap, but will work for personal use. I used mine once, and it is already showing serious distress signs. I guess it will last for a few more uses. The real problem is that, (at least for the D30) the Jeep ball joints don't go straight in. The press has a hard time working correctly because of the sloping surface the joint is mounted in. You can still do the job, but there is definantely a reason that there is a set of special Jeep tools (that you need in addition to the press) to really do the job without some difficulty. These are sloped cups designed to allow the press to push straight. Take a look at the factory service manual and you'll see what I mean. Not having these special tool sets myself is one reason my shitty press took such a beating.

corrupt143
04-10-2007, 12:56 PM
I "rent" stuff like that from Advanced Auto. You pay full price for the tool and get all of your money back when you return it. Thats what they do, not my scam.

OverkillZJ
04-10-2007, 01:15 PM
I've been using the $30 harbor freight for 5 years now. It's truly a piece of crap, but it hasn't failed me yet. As for the slope: just grind down one of the sleves on one side, I've done about 4 sets of ball joints and at least 20+ ujoints with it so far, and it's showing no signs of failure.

But, it is still a piece of crap. $30 though, works for me.

DJJordache
04-10-2007, 01:37 PM
I dunno about the HF one... I bent the hell outta the C while working on getting the old D30 BJ's to pop out and had to go rent the one at Autozone to finish the job. But the nice thing was that HF took the bent one back no questions asked and even laughed about it:D

OverkillZJ
04-10-2007, 01:58 PM
I've heard of a lof of them bending, I don't know why mine hasn't to be honest. I often use my 800 ft lb. impact on it while heating it up, haha. It should have broken by now, it's not a quality tool. I think the quality of metal on them might be luck of the draw.

Sudz
04-10-2007, 02:11 PM
i have used my HF several times to do some tough jobs - i usually load it up (crank down on it) then give it a few smacks with a hammer and it will 'pop' then i crank down on 'er some more - 'whack' - slowly working the balljoint loose

2jeepsforus
04-10-2007, 03:06 PM
I heart sudz.....:D

Thanks for all the input guys. I guess buying junk sometimes works out and sometimes doesn't, but the lifetime warranty is a plus.

Thanks,
Dave

Rubber Chuck
04-10-2007, 04:02 PM
I tell you what.....I used to be diehard Snap-On,Matco,etc. Then I bought a house....lolol.
I started buying less expensive tools and almost lost my eye due to a bearing splitter I bought from HF.:pissed:
I did how ever buy a $70 ball joint tool like the ones you guys have listed off of eBay a couple years ago.....no issues at all. I have even done ball joints out on one of Paragon's Black rated trails to get a jeep back and have re-built a couple of front drive shafts with it.

Skyline
04-10-2007, 04:06 PM
I tell you what.....I used to be diehard Snap-On,Matco,etc. Then I bought a house....lolol.
I started buying less expensive tools and almost lost my eye due to a bearing splitter I bought from HF.:pissed:
I did how ever buy a $70 ball joint tool like the ones you guys have listed off of eBay a couple years ago.....no issues at all. I have even done ball joints out on one of Paragon's Black rated trails to get a jeep back and have re-built a couple of front drive shafts with it.

I don't think Snap On even makes these anymore. Gotta find a used one on eBay.

nate
04-10-2007, 04:48 PM
I have a set I got from Matco. It was around $250 which wasn't too bad considering it's beef and has tons of adapters. The adapters are what is expensive.

I am glad I had a beefy one, since I bent the Matco one a little bit when I did the ball joints in my truck (D60). They were stuck in there so hard it was stalling my impact gun.

Rubber Chuck
04-10-2007, 05:01 PM
I don't think Snap On even makes these anymore. Gotta find a used one on eBay.


I actually think OTC makes the Ball Joint tools for Snap-On, Mac,etc.
I don't do a ton of Ball Joints.....but if I did...I'd spend the money on the OTC.

ILikeMud
04-10-2007, 05:21 PM
I've used a Princess Auto (similar to HF) Ball Joint Press to do the joints on my old ZJ.
Thankfully now I won't need to use a ball joint tool anymore.

Sudz
04-10-2007, 08:53 PM
I have even done ball joints out on one of Paragon's Black rated trails to get a jeep back and have re-built a couple of front drive shafts with it.

we did an upper & lower last year at GSE (at night out on the trail) :best:

http://www.the-jersey-devil.com/photopost/data/500/28100_7505-med.JPG

http://www.the-jersey-devil.com/photopost/data/500/28100_7511-med.JPG

http://www.the-jersey-devil.com/photopost/data/500/28100_7561-med.JPG

http://www.the-jersey-devil.com/photopost/data/500/28100_7560-med.JPG

if you wheel with beerman, bring plenty of spare parts! :smt040

Jim311
04-10-2007, 10:00 PM
Wow that's some carnage.