You cant expect the guys at autozone or oreillys to even know what a balljoint press is used for...

I used one from oreillys for my superduty, but I dont think it will be exactly what you need for a 4wd axle. Some of the surfaces are not flat and thats all you get with the small kits. I used a big $300 kit back when I had balljoints. You might be able to get creative and use various sockets in the press.

 

OK, thanks for the response! Will I be able to test before I do the install whether their adapters will work for the Jeep? Say I go in and rent the press and then match up their adapters on my jeep while it's in the parking lot? I think this should work...

 

There is no cost to "rent" from o'reilly. Just charge the full price of the tool and get full credit when you return. I'd think you can take your time and check it out at the house or garage.

 

Great thanks!

A typical parts store press will work okay. But you need the Dana adapters that accomodate the wedge shape of the axle "ears." Without the adapters, you run a real risk of the joint not going in straight and damaging the axle.



Without disassembling anything, about the only thing you can access is the top side of the upper joint.



Don't even think about it. With the pressures involved, strongly I suggest that you use the correct tools for the job.

Ok, this is good to know. I'm unfamiliar with ball joint work but have done everything required up to that point, i.e. removal of wheel, caliper, rotor, and axle.

Is this what you are talking about?

Amazon.com: OTC (7894) Jeep/Dodge Ball Joint Service Adapter: Automotive

 

Any press will work but you need the special angled piece not included in most kits. We made do (forget how), but ive seen people cut a spacer at a angle and use it.

 

Which of these pieces is the "special angled piece?"

 

If I had to venture a guess it would be this one

 

Much appreciated!

Kindly review post #7, in which that information was provided. (That would be the post that you quoted in post #9.)

Note: "tapered" and "angled" are reasonably synonymous.

I just wanted to be sure. You know what assuming does...

Made my parts and tools list. They're in the mail now. Again, thanks for all your help guys. :iamhappy:

 

I just replaced mine this weekend using the press from AutoZone. I needed their basic kit plus the 4x4 kit. It was about $250 in "rental" charges. And yes they charge you, then refund it all when you bring their tools back. It worked, but it wasn't a perfect fit. The adapters in the kit were either too long or too short. You'll also want another set of hands to help hold the stack of adapters as you maneuver them onto the ball joint.

Mike

 

Perfect, thanks for the tip!

I've used the autozone kit also. It was tough, but got done. Had to get creative, and damn those joints are really tight.

Let me take that back, I used 2 of the autozone kits. I destroyed the first one......

Whoa...did you damage anything on the jeep breaking one of those presses? That's rough.

 

I've used the autozone kit also. It was tough, but got done. Had to get creative, and damn those joints are really tight.

Let me take that back, I used 2 of the autozone kits. I destroyed the first one......