Georgia Trail Riders Forum

SHOP TALK => Wrench Day => Topic started by: Krawler00 on September 24, 2015, 01:31:29 PM

Title: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 24, 2015, 01:31:29 PM
Well, I need ball joints. Rotated tires and the front knuckles have play which explains the wandering feeling from time to time. Just curious if anyone would be willing to help out in replacing them? I do not own the tools necessary to do the job at my house and have never done a ball joint replacement. Trying to save some coin as I can't budget this repair in right now. Thanks guys. //:hlp//
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: cru9 on September 24, 2015, 01:45:29 PM
You can rent the tools free from auto part stores. You have to leave a deposit but you get it back when you return the tools. You need the ball joint press and the 4x4 kit. And eat your wheaties. It's harder than I thought to get them to pop in.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: kent10sne1 on September 24, 2015, 01:56:10 PM
what does a ball joint replacment normally cost?
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: DOUG on September 24, 2015, 02:00:43 PM
Allsouth.  Your only difference in cost is the labor, and then you can trust that it's done right.   //LMAO//
Title: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 24, 2015, 02:21:42 PM
Not a bad Job Ben. Like Bobby said, you can rent for free the Ball Joint press and 4x4 kit from the auto parts store. An air gun makes life easier but not totally required. I'm sure you have all the other tools needed.

Watch a YouTube vid and knock it out. :)

I'm in the middle of a backyard project so I can't commit any time to help just yet. But could in a month or so
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 24, 2015, 02:28:09 PM
Well, it is definitely on the to do list as I just can't do it right now. Help is always better than winging it by myself but that is ultimately how you learn.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Raisinhead on September 24, 2015, 02:28:14 PM
Also, leave room to use a massive breaker bar!
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 24, 2015, 02:29:59 PM
Danny just sent me a quote to do it. Expensive but that includes alignment which will be needed for sure. Time and money... something I wish I had more of in equal amounts
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: clark123456 on September 24, 2015, 04:58:08 PM
If you do it "yourself" get a set of hands to help out. 

Wes did it on the side of a mountain, so you can do it in your driveway!

Maybe a 4 hour job for the handyman; 2 hours for a shop. 

Do both sides at the same time.

- Torg

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: jd30005 on September 24, 2015, 05:36:07 PM

If you do it "yourself" get a set of hands to help out. 

Wes did it on the side of a mountain, so you can do it in your driveway!

Maybe a 4 hour job for the handyman; 2 hours for a shop. 

Do both sides at the same time.

- Torg
And add a couple of hours if you have "helpers" that offer opinions, suggestions and cold beverages while you work.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Michigunman on September 24, 2015, 05:46:11 PM
I have nightmares about on trail failure after watching Wes's. It's my worst fear. Whoever does it just get it done.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 24, 2015, 06:07:06 PM
Thanks fellas. After the price Danny quoted I would be dumb to not take the offer. Just need to save up for a bit.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: zrxmopar on September 24, 2015, 06:38:30 PM
I have a garage full of tools.( Including a ball joint press and adaptor kit, and air tools ). Experience (30+ years in the auto repair business.) and the time. I'm off until the 5th of October. Come on over and we can do the ball joints in no time at all.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: kent10sne1 on September 24, 2015, 08:17:59 PM
I am thinking about this also. . 
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Jeepster1407 on September 24, 2015, 08:18:35 PM
Can't beat that!
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: patman on September 24, 2015, 08:20:56 PM
^^^I'd take that offer
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: DOUG on September 24, 2015, 08:29:22 PM
I need an LS!
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: zrxmopar on September 24, 2015, 09:03:17 PM
I need an LS!
You bring the parts I got the tools. Milling machine, MIG, engine hoist. Etc..........
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Michigunman on September 24, 2015, 09:04:29 PM
I have a garage full of tools.( Including a ball press and adaptor kit, and air tools ). Experience (30+ years in the auto repair business.) and the time. I'm off until the 5th of October. Come on over and we can do the ball joints in no time at all.
Shaun is the man.  Take his offer.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Raisinhead on September 24, 2015, 11:22:48 PM

I have a garage full of tools.( Including a ball press and adaptor kit, and air tools ). Experience (30+ years in the auto repair business.) and the time. I'm off until the 5th of October. Come on over and we can do the ball joints in no time at all.
Shaun is the man.  Take his offer.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

X2
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 25, 2015, 06:22:24 AM
Ok, so where are you located? If these guys are vouching for you I can trust you.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: cru9 on September 25, 2015, 07:23:20 AM
Ben I think he lives in Kennesaw.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 25, 2015, 07:51:07 AM
Ok, so where are you located? If these guys are vouching for you I can trust you.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk



for sure

let me know when/if you do this.  I'll stop and "help".  Shaun also has a bad ass pro wire crimper that he was going to show me how to use to make some new battery leads to hide my winch control box under the hood...been wanting to do that for 2 years
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Blue J on September 25, 2015, 08:21:08 AM
If this party goes down on a weekend? I'd like to watch. I need some learnin'
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 25, 2015, 09:52:16 AM
Well, sounds like we might be able to make this a little gathering if it goes down. So all I need to bring are the Balljoints and Tony can bring the green egg  //LMAO//
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 25, 2015, 10:14:30 AM
Well, sounds like we might be able to make this a little gathering if it goes down. So all I need to bring are the Balljoints and Tony can bring the green egg  //LMAO//

the BGE doesn't travel...but the delicious wonderfulness that comes out of the Egg sure does.  I can make that happen
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 25, 2015, 10:19:42 AM
 //letseat// Ok, let me find the parts I need and get them ordered. Then we can set a date to wrench and eat.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: zrxmopar on September 25, 2015, 10:33:43 AM
sounds good to me. I'm in Acworth just off Wade green road.
anybody that's wants to join in shoot me a pm and I will give you the address.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Mortalis5509 on September 25, 2015, 10:53:50 AM
If need be, Ben I'm 10 to 15 minutes away. Haven't done balljoints but do have air tools and what not. Can't be that bad. Have a BGE to cook on as well....lol.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: kent10sne1 on September 25, 2015, 12:20:14 PM
Hmm, we should make this a party?  i guess you need 4 total.  2 upper and 2 lower on the front.  is that correct?  anyone know good ones to look at replacing the JK ones with?
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 25, 2015, 12:26:51 PM
Hmm, we should make this a party?  i guess you need 4 total.  2 upper and 2 lower on the front.  is that correct?  anyone know good ones to look at replacing the JK ones with?

yes.  an upper and a lower on each side.

Synergy
Alloy USA
Teraflex

more expensive

Dynatrac
Rare Parts


I have used Synergy on two different axles and they have worked well for me.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: zrxmopar on September 25, 2015, 12:40:26 PM
I used Alloy USA on the jk
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: clark123456 on September 25, 2015, 01:37:37 PM
I have a set of NIB Alloy USA ball joints for the d30/d44 I could make available if you want to do it this weekend and just replace mine when your order comes in. 

I also have a set of shoes for you, buddy!

Text me if interested so I can tell you where they are.

- Torg

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 26, 2015, 09:08:21 AM
Torg, thanks. I have no idea what i need yet. I know it is a mid 80' waggy. Moog would be my choice as they are lifetime. Surprised that brand was not mentioned.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: patman on September 26, 2015, 08:23:58 PM
If you are considering c-gussets (if you don't already have them, not sure) this would be a good time so you don't have to worry about cooking the ball joints while welding
Title: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 26, 2015, 10:04:09 PM
If you are considering c-gussets (if you don't already have them, not sure) this would be a good time so you don't have to worry about cooking the ball joints while welding

I think the Waggy C's are strong enough to not need need gussets. I know it's a better 44 than the TJ and Jk stuff.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: tcdawg on September 26, 2015, 10:12:33 PM

Torg, thanks. I have no idea what i need yet. I know it is a mid 80' waggy. Moog would be my choice as they are lifetime. Surprised that brand was not mentioned.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Nothing wrong w Moog. I have used their TRE's w good results.
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: DOUG on September 26, 2015, 10:24:46 PM
I have moog in the Tahoe and burb.  Allied and Synergy are big for JKs.  I'd go moog for your waggy.  Have you looked up the parts?
Title: Re: Ball joint replacement
Post by: Krawler00 on September 28, 2015, 10:02:01 PM
Sorry guys, been busy. No change. Need to schedule it out and get the parts. Pay day comin...

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk