How much work is required to change the lower ball joints on an '01 Supercrew 4x4? It is my friend's truck but I have a '99 long bed so it could apply to me as well. What all do you need the remove to do this? What is the exact procedure for this job and are there any tricks or tips for doing this?

Sorry for the basic question but it's my first rodeo with these things.

Thanks

 

I too would interested in some info on this topic.

 

if you can rent a puller, or a ball joint fork, youve got half of the work done.

Its near impossible to remove them without the right tools, since they are press fitted into the control arm. The puller is the correct tool to use, but the fork will do the job with some damage to the ball joint, meaning you cant reuse it.

basically you pull wheels, brake assembly, and torsion bar mount, and you should be ready to pull the ball joints.
-Patrick

 

The puller you need is it just calleda ball joint puller??

 

dont know for sure what a calleda ball joint puller is specifically, so i cant answer that

 

I just gathered $300 & had mine installed I know ball joints are a b***h to do and not having good tools, the garage, or the time i'll go the pricey way.

 

Sorry I meant to say is it just called a Ball Joint Puller?

 

You need a pickle fork to separate the old ball joint from the LCA. Then you need a ball joint press to press the ball joint out and back into LCA. Local Auto Zones will lend you the tool for free.

 

oh, lol yah just go to autozone as mentioned above, they will know what you are talking about

 

Most Auto Parts stores have suspension tool kits they rent. Checker does it for $0.00. They charge your account for the price of the kit, and credit it back when you return it.

Do a good search in the past year for Ball joints. There are several threads with proceedure, and even pictures. It's not that bad a job. You can usually beat the old ball joint out with a BFH, but will need the press to reinstall the new one. Freeze the new ones for several hours before you install them. The will go in much easier.

Good luck.

 

I want to buy the tools. Cannot see renting something I may need again. Best place to buy the toools would be????