New here and need help with upper ball joint

Stal · 07-14-2006, 07:34 AM

I have read through many threads about this. Does an auto parts store carry a ball joint press that is strong enough to press that ball joint into the spindle?
How hard is it to get the spindle off and just bring it into Meineke and have them press it in there for me. Whats the easiest option? Please help asap as I without a truck right now.
Thanks guys!!!!

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hamstrungtaco · 07-14-2006, 10:40 AM

i pressed mine in with a piece of pipe in a vise, kinda tricky but it worked

Stal · 07-14-2006, 10:48 AM

So you had to pull the spindle out of the truck?

Tanto · 07-14-2006, 01:41 PM

The factory Upper ball joint is attached to the spindle, so yes, you will have to at least disconnect your upper control arm to work with it. Taking the spindle off the truck makes it MUCH easier to do. To take out the old ball joint, just find a socket that is just a tad smaller than the ball joint and use a hammer to knock it out. Autozone will loan you a ball joint press, but I believe the deposit (that you get back if you return it) is around $140. The Autozone one is kinda crappy but you can make it work pressing your new balljoint in.

Crux · 07-14-2006, 02:08 PM

I could never get the ball joint press to work because the spindle top section curves and won't allow the press to seat correctly.

I just ended up taking both spindles into Midas and having them use a shop press to get the new upper ball joints in.

KyleT · 07-14-2006, 08:14 PM

i used a kit from a local auto supply and an assortment of very large sockets (1" drive) and jimmy rigged it untill it popped free. i let it soak good with PB blaster overnight before hand as well.

Stal · 07-15-2006, 07:19 AM

Ok I got it. I went to Advance Auto Parts and rented a ball joint press. It was an impressive kit. I had no problems at all. I would recommend this to others who have to try this.
Thank you all for the imput!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tanto · 07-15-2006, 08:12 AM

No problem. Glad to hear that everything worked out for you!

07-14-2006, 10:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
hamstrungtaco Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: savannah GA Posts: 217	i pressed mine in with a piece of pipe in a vise, kinda tricky but it worked __________________ 99 xcb 2.7, enough said 02 trans am ws6

07-14-2006, 02:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Crux Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 849	I could never get the ball joint press to work because the spindle top section curves and won't allow the press to seat correctly. I just ended up taking both spindles into Midas and having them use a shop press to get the new upper ball joints in. __________________ 97 4Runner SR5 Blue - 135k miles, E-Locker, Armorology front/rear bumpers & sliders, BudBuilt skidplate+belly, MTR 285/75/16s, 2" Tundra/OME Lift, 1" 4Crawler Bodylift, 1" diff drop, Black Aluminum Wheels, Cobra CB 04 Land Cruiser Grey - 90k miles, OME Lift, Slee Sliders, 35" Toyo Muds

07-14-2006, 08:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
KyleT Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 1,087	i used a kit from a local auto supply and an assortment of very large sockets (1" drive) and jimmy rigged it untill it popped free. i let it soak good with PB blaster overnight before hand as well. __________________ - Kyle Former Owner of - 1996 Sunfire Red Metallic 4Runner Limited updated 10/31/06 OEM/TRD Lift Kit #1 from Sonoran Steel with 1 Top-out spacer - Lexus GX470 rims - 295/70r17 Nitto Terra Grapplers Yukon 4.88's, E-Locked Rear, Waiting to blow up front diff #2

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07-14-2006, 10:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Stal Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 18	So you had to pull the spindle out of the truck?

07-15-2006, 07:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
Stal Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 18	Ok I got it. I went to Advance Auto Parts and rented a ball joint press. It was an impressive kit. I had no problems at all. I would recommend this to others who have to try this. Thank you all for the imput!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!