Well the mechanic told me a while back I needed new balljoints, and I'm considering doing them myself. I searched and found that I might need a "jaw puller tool" - what is that?

Is this a difficult process? Keep in mind my rig is rust-free, so that's not an issue at all.

 

just get a bfh or an airhammer. your replacing them, who cares if u damage them (right). that is usually my "special tool" of choice.

 

Here's a link to a ball joint puller, basically it seperates the joint from the spindle without damaging it, but like toytech said if you're replacing them anyway it doesn't matter. A large pickle fork works well, or the afore mentioned bfh.

http://www.thepartsbin.com/cartools/..._puller-d.html

 

Ah, makes sense. So when I put on the new balljoint I don't need a special tool?

 

Usually not, you just tighten the nut until it's seated properly.

 

Okay, cool. I guess it's a cone shaped seat then. I do suppose I'll need an alignment after I do the job. I'm not sure if I'm hardcore enough to do an alignment myself with a piece of string, though with the FSM I probably could...

 

Changing the ball joints won't necessarily alter the alignment, unless it was aligned to match the worn ones. The string method only does the toe, but it's more likely the camber will change so I'd get it done properly. You can toast a set of tires really quick if it's out.

 

i used a pickle fork on mine as well when doing my bj spacers i replaced them.
along with a good whack from the BFH does the job well.

 

Shop prices! Toyota wanted $70 for each ball joint. On eBay, I got all 4 balljoints, idler arm and pitman arm for $120 total.

Roy