dromomaniac

OK, I'm past desperate on this.

Couldn't press out the upper BJs. It's a wrong tool issue, but there is no right tool available. Ended up going at them with a grinder, dremel, and a mini reciprocating saw. Slow and terrible, but gets the job done.

Now, I have new problem of my own making. I was installing the Light Racing junk on the passenger side and in my haste installed the large plug/nut thing (that receives the BJ stud) upside down. That is, using a c-clamp-style press, I pressed it in upward through the steering knuckle. Now I need to press it out and can't...of course. The press just will not work to apply downward pressure. Trust me, I've tried hundreds of times using dozens of configurations. 3-jawed puller also failed with similar amount of attempts (including following write-ups from other sites).

To reiterate and clarify. I need to press out and downward a nut/plug things that holds the tapered BJ stud...and sorry, the instructions don't name this part or even picture it.

So, my question is what tool do I need here? What are the very best tools for this job and where do I find them.



~~Worst project I've ever undertaken on a truck. Tearing down the 3vze was a f%$#ing delight compared to this. THe BJs on my '94 were like a one hour job using whatever the hell tools I had laying aound. Wrench and hammer mainly.

~~Also, sorry for typos. I'm exhausted.

dromomaniac

http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-jo...ck-to-top-link

dromomaniac

The Harbor Freight kit worked.

The decisive factor was the perfect size of spacer/receiver that allowed perfect alignment of the tool.

I used an old sway bar washer to protect the top of the part being removed and the receiver under the knuckle. I then used a 1/2 driver and cheater pipe to crank, and a very large breaker bar as a lever to keep the 'C' from rotating with the torque.

For removing actual ball joints, my new preferred method is to grind off the stud and then use a 36mm socket on top of the remainder of BJ.

After a few minutes, Pang!

I now hate tacoma ball joints.

maachine

this site hasnt been very busy lately. i recently had to do some exhaust work on my truck. i now hate toyota exhaust systems

dromomaniac

No kidding. Only three active threads today and one is in the wrong forum (3vze).

dromomaniac

Just to close out this thread, and make it worth something to future searchers:

In my case, well-matched tools were 100% essential to removing the upper BJs. Other sites contain a variety of recipes for this job, but none worked. If you are undertaking this job for the first time I strongly recommend the Harbor Freight BJ Kit. This kit was basically identical to the brand name that I rented from Oreilly's, but contained 2-3 extra pieces that made the difference.