fields_mj
Full Access Member
Okay, so I've opted to do my own ball joints this time on my 2000 crew cab. I've got next week off, so if I can get some dry weather, I should be able to get it knocked out in addition to the other projects I have scheduled. Since this truck is new to me at 170K miles, I'm planning on having to do this job again at some point, so I'm planning on just buying the right tools for the job. Since I've been working on my IDI for years now, I have some tools, but it looks like there are specific tools I need for doing these ball joints that I don't have. I've had bad experience renting tools from places (bent, damaged, or otherwise defective), and I'm saving enough to warrant buying what I need (I think). So the next question is what do I actually need? My biggest concerns with buying the tools are 1-buying a tool/tool set that won't fit my truck, and 2-buying a cheap tool that will break before it does the job needed. Since everything on this truck is bone stock, and I'm in the rust belt, that last one is a big deal as I've destroyed more than one midgrade tool trying to free up something that was rusted solid.
Things I could use advise on:
Pickle fork: I have access to one. I also have access to an air hammer. Is it worth getting the separator attachment (About $20) for the hammer to make the job easier?
Large Gear Puller: It looks like the hub assembly can be pretty challenging to get off. Would it be worth buying a large puller, or is it best just hammer the 4 studs out from the back side?
Pitman arm puller: Is there one brand that's better than the other? Most of them that I've seen are in the $20 price range.
Ball joint Press: These seem to come in kits, and the price varies a LOT. Any suggestions on a decent one that will have right parts for this job?
Snap ring pliers: I've used lots of these over the years working on various pieces of equipment at work, but most of them belonged to someone else, and they were always smaller sets. Some have been excellent, some have been utter crap. All the ones I've bought have been crap, so I'd love to hear of a recommendation on a good set that will be big enough to get the snap rings out of the hub.
Oxy/Acetylene: The last set I worked on (15+ years ago) we ended up having to heat them up to get them out. I've got a small portable set up, but it's been empty for a few years. Would it be worth the $100 to get them filled again?
My limited experience with ball joints is that they can be a REAL PITA to get out, so I'm seriously contemplating a trip over to Harbor Freight to add a 12 Ton Shop Press to my tool collection as well, but I'll hold off on that for now. If I run into problems, it's an hour drive round trip, and at that point I could probably stand to take a break anyway.
Thanks!
Mark
Things I could use advise on:
Pickle fork: I have access to one. I also have access to an air hammer. Is it worth getting the separator attachment (About $20) for the hammer to make the job easier?
Large Gear Puller: It looks like the hub assembly can be pretty challenging to get off. Would it be worth buying a large puller, or is it best just hammer the 4 studs out from the back side?
Pitman arm puller: Is there one brand that's better than the other? Most of them that I've seen are in the $20 price range.
Ball joint Press: These seem to come in kits, and the price varies a LOT. Any suggestions on a decent one that will have right parts for this job?
Snap ring pliers: I've used lots of these over the years working on various pieces of equipment at work, but most of them belonged to someone else, and they were always smaller sets. Some have been excellent, some have been utter crap. All the ones I've bought have been crap, so I'd love to hear of a recommendation on a good set that will be big enough to get the snap rings out of the hub.
Oxy/Acetylene: The last set I worked on (15+ years ago) we ended up having to heat them up to get them out. I've got a small portable set up, but it's been empty for a few years. Would it be worth the $100 to get them filled again?
My limited experience with ball joints is that they can be a REAL PITA to get out, so I'm seriously contemplating a trip over to Harbor Freight to add a 12 Ton Shop Press to my tool collection as well, but I'll hold off on that for now. If I run into problems, it's an hour drive round trip, and at that point I could probably stand to take a break anyway.
Thanks!
Mark