Icepick

got a 1996 2wheel drive F-150, and I can't get the ball joints off of the spindle to save my life, I've tried 3 different pullers, and still no luck, any help/advice would be great!
Thanks

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to say, you are going to need a press. At least that's what the book says. You may be able to rig something up with a heavy duty floor jack and a chain.

tonkatruck66

lols. pictures? please?

and yeah, press is where its at when it comes to ball joints.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

I don't have that setup so I don't know what it looks like but I've changed many balljoints with a chain and jack. Wrap the chain around the jack and control arm and pump that sucker in. Just did it to a '94 Camaro 2 days ago.

tonkatruck66

is this one of those "DONT TRY AT HOME" things? lol. that'd save me about $40-$50 if it actually worked good.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

It really does work if you do it carefully. Sometimes it helps to tap on the control arm with a hammer and block of wood to protect the control arm from dings. The closer you get the chain to the balljoint the better the leverage, but you have to be careful not to damage the balljoint. I also use a large socket against the balljoint on the outer edge where it is strongest. Try it, if I had pictures I'd show you. I've also done it to a '80 Mercury Capri, my old S-10 Blazer and others.

mitchalvin

Do a search on ebay for a ball joint press. These look similar to a large C clamp and have the proper sized cups for the joints. I changed mine a couple of months ago with a rented one. The press is easy to use and will also allow you to change the u joints in needed without a BFH.

wormshoe

Worm here.....

My local AUTO ZONE will supply the ball joint press free-of-charge if you buy the ball joints through them. Does your local AUTO ZONE offer the same free tool useage ?

I bought a ball joint press last year from HARBOR FREIGHT in Largo, Florida. ( C-Clamp style with adapters and cups - - works like a breeze with an impact wrench.) Good luck

Munson

I just torched mine out. takes only 2 minutes