95 Chevy 1500 (Replacing Balljoints)

[userpete1037]

Hello,

I own a 95 chevy p/u, 350/5.7L and i'm replacing the balljoints but i've run into a problem. i don't know how to remove the big balljoint in the lower control arm. I bought a balljoint puller which worked for the smaller joints but not for the big balljoint. i tried using the balljoint puller but i couldn't get it to line up because the screw on the puller is to long. is there some kind of tool that can be used to remove it? I am really trying to avoid compressing the spring and removing the whole lower control arm and taking it somewhere to get it removed.

[2000CAYukon]

I usually support the lower control arm with a floor jack or jack stand and hit the ball joint from the top side with a dead blow hammer. It is pressed in and it will take some good wacks to get it out.

It would still be a good idea to use a spring compressor on the coil spring when you reinstall the lower control arm.

//2000CAYukon

[userpete1037]

you know i attempted to hammer it out and i stopped, but i will try it again tomorrow. thanks for the response.

PS,

will some kind of C-clamp work?

[2000CAYukon]

Since it is pressed in, a C clamp will not provide even pressure to get the ball joint out. Don't be afraid to really hit it hard. I use a 32 oz dead blow when I work on front end parts. Take out some agression on them.

//2000CAYukon

[userpete1037]

LOL!!!! thanks Yukon. I do have some built up aggression because it really kicked my you know what...

[MT-2500]

They do make Ball joint presses that will do the job.
Some parts places loan or rent them.
But as Yukon said a big or bigger hammer will do it.
To add I always support the lower control arm with a jack stand and put a little weight on it to make it solid.
MT

[userpete1037]

one last question, will the lower balljoint snap into place when i tighten it or do i need to knock it in place?

[1968 Pontiac]

If the hammer doesn't work, and you can't get a free loan on a ball joint press, you can use a C clamp if you have a large sturdy one. On the top side of the joint place a socket that is deeper than the stud is long but smaller than the diameter of the ball joint, on the bottom you will need a shallow socket that is a larger diameter than the joint, then use the clamp to push the joint out. If you have a weak clamp the clamp will brake though. I bought a cheap ball joint press for 40.00 and it works great. You can also use them for changing u-joints.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by userpete1037

one last question, will the lower balljoint snap into place when i tighten it or do i need to knock it in place?

No they do not jump back in.
They should be pressed back in.
Best to get a press to put it back in if you can.

But again in a pinch you can find a big socket to fit the bottom of ball joint and lower socket and ball joint on a jack stand and hammer the top of A frame down while keeping weight on bottom of ball joint.
Good Luck
MT

[userpete1037]

thanks a lot everybody for the quick responses. I appreciate them greatly.

[MT-2500]

You are welcome.
And let us know how it goes.
When you are hammering away on it and miss a lick or hit a finger just think of all the money you are saving doing it yourself.
Good Luck
MT

[inafogg]

Ouch!!!!

[userpete1037]

It's been a while but I just want to let everybody know that the operation was a success. Thanks for all the input.

[MT-2500]

You are welcome.
And thanks for posting back how it went.
Good luck
MT