Tore upper control arm boot installing leveling kit
#1
Tore upper control arm boot installing leveling kit
I'm in the middle of installing a 2.5 leveling kit on my f150. Everything was going easy until having to separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
I first tried to follow the instructions which said to hit the knuckle with a ball peen hammer. That must be a joke. The ball joint was being a total bi#! and didnt budge at all.
So next I had to do what they said not to do which was use a pickle fork. Now I have a torn upper control arm boot. Even the pickle fork didnt break loose the ball joint.
Finally, I tried my own method and put the nut back on the ball joint stud just enough to not damage the threads as I tapped up on the ball joint. Within 2.5 hits it easily broke loose.
So two questions as I start on the other side. What is the right way to remove the stubborn upper control arm ball joints from the steering knuckle? How do I fix my torn boot? It seems as simple as buying a new boot and putting it on, but I have a feeling I will be spending a lot more money than that.
I first tried to follow the instructions which said to hit the knuckle with a ball peen hammer. That must be a joke. The ball joint was being a total bi#! and didnt budge at all.
So next I had to do what they said not to do which was use a pickle fork. Now I have a torn upper control arm boot. Even the pickle fork didnt break loose the ball joint.
Finally, I tried my own method and put the nut back on the ball joint stud just enough to not damage the threads as I tapped up on the ball joint. Within 2.5 hits it easily broke loose.
So two questions as I start on the other side. What is the right way to remove the stubborn upper control arm ball joints from the steering knuckle? How do I fix my torn boot? It seems as simple as buying a new boot and putting it on, but I have a feeling I will be spending a lot more money than that.
Last edited by tatermatt90; 08-11-2014 at 05:28 PM.
#4
Senior Member
And for the side you tore the boot you might as well replace that ball joint now. You have to buy the complete upper A arm to do that. It will not last with a torn boot.