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Okay you guys, question

A

Allan in NE

Well-known Member
Hi All,

Has anyone figured out an "easy" way to replace ball joints in these old hummers? I mean besides hiring someone else to do it? :>(

Remember the last set I did; was cussin' everything in sight........and think my mom might have got a reference or two for bringin' me into this world.

Can't beleive the old beater, probably has half a million miles on 'er and still has the original ball joints.

Wonder how many sets of tires it has eaten up over the years?

Allan

2lmp0ft.jpg
 
Put jack under lower control arm. Separate joint with pickle fork. Hammer out ball joint. Press in new one. Simple!
 
Other than having the right tools for the job I'm afraid it's just some God given patience after that. I did upper and lower ball joints on a 96' Ford F-250 4x4 a couple of weeks ago. While I woulnd't call the experience fun, with the right tools it only took me about 5 hours start to finish including new axle seals.

A ball joint press and a BFH are about the two best tools a guy could start with. Good luck Allen!


Billy
 
easy no,but i bought a ball joint service kit at harbor freight that made it a whole lot easier.basically its a large very heavy c clamp that presses them in and out and a handfull of adapters.they are not the best tools in the world,but ive done four or five vehicles with it so far and its held up.i think i paid thirty bucks for it and ive pressed in several u joints with it also.once you get them broke loose they move fairly easily.my neighbor who was a mechanic for years says to heat around them with a torch and it wont hurt but i havnt had to so far.sure are harder than the old ones that were bolted or riveted in for sure.REMEMBER they have to go in a certain way!!!
 
On some models, not sure bout Dodge, ball joints thread into the control arms. Make sure before ya go hammerin away.
 
Maybe I said it wrong.

This is the '88.....the one with the 16 rivets the size of your thumb.

Yeah, I've got the tools and a torch and the big clamp, etc, etc.

Just wondered if anyone knew a "trick" to gettin' those fat rivits outta there. They are no picnic any way ya cut it.

Maybe that's why the original ball joints are still in there. :>)

Allan
 
My parts place lets you borrow those tools - you just have to leave a deposit and will get it back when you return them. Makes life a lot easier.
 
I've already got the biggest power chisel with both bits that Snap-On makes.

Just don't have the derned will, 'cause I remember how hard those suckers come outta there. :>)

Allan
 
Hello Allen in NE,
Just drill the center out of the rivets, do not use an air chisel to wack the off! NO NO NO.
Drilling the center will take all the fight out of the rivets. Don't drill all the way, so you can punch them out. Bolt new ones in and you're done!
Guido.
 
(quoted from post at 14:58:24 10/20/11) Hello Allen in NE,
Just drill the center out of the rivets, do not use an air chisel to wack the off! NO NO NO.
Drilling the center will take all the fight out of the rivets. Don't drill all the way, so you can punch them out. Bolt new ones in and you're done!
Guido.
Click to expand...

Allen Gido is right! Not that hard with a drill!

Rick
 
Thanks Guys!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew someone had stumbled onto a better way. :>)

I really appreciate the help.

Allan
 
if they are riveted you can use a angle grinder to cut the heads off.if not its hammer and chisel because i dont have a air chisel,it can be done but its a pain.if youve got a torch it will make short work of them also.just blow the heads off and drive them out while still hot.ive taken i dont know how many out that way.
 
I thought that had a press in lower....
But, for rivited BJs, I use the torch, and cut from the ball joint side.
 
The fastest way i know is with a torch and air hammer. Heat the hell out of the rivets and hit them with the air hammer. It makes quick work of them.
 
The upper A frame was rusted away on my 77 chevy, check before puttin new joints in.I have had 2 55 chevy cars lose a lower ball joint on the road.Driving behind one and had the other cross the road in front of me and go into the ditch.Both had women driving and they were shook up pretty bad.Took one to a garage, the other to a general store to call for a wrecker.I was driving along a straight strech of highway in my truck when an old chevy car came up real fast from the opossite direction .When we were 200 feet apart his gas tank dropped off and slid along the road making sparks and on fire.The tank slid straight along the road.I was thinking of going ito a field to avoid the flaming tank.It slid past me, saw the car come to a stop way down the road.These Chevys are dangerous to drive near.
 
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