Anyone have any specs of what size of ball joint press that is needed to change out the joints on our trucks. I've read that you need one that's a larger size, but I've seen nothing about what the C-clamp width and length should be. My local cheap tool store has what they call a 4WD ball joint press that states it is rated for a Dana 44 axle. Will that be good enough? It's on sale for $79 and I have no interest in buying a proper $250 kit for the once or twice that I'd use it. Thanks.

 

you should be able to rent the whole ball joint press kit at your local parts store, i just rented one from advance for around $160, when you bring it back, they refund your money so your really not out anything unless you dont bring it back.

 

Thanks, but if this $79 one will work, I would rather buy it and have one as I know I'll be changing them several times more in the future. I'm hoping someone who has one that works can tell me some dimensions or something.

 

If you can afford to buy the Carli upper ball joints you may only have to buy one set. Their suppose to last forever. The down side is you can buy a small house for the same price as the uppers.
Jay

 

I considered the Carli joints but they are just too much money. I can purchase quite a few regular joints for the price of those. I was pondering getting some EMS hubs and changing the joints at the same time, along with the axle and driveshaft u-joints that are also shot.

 

I just replaced my uppers with the Carli joints and put the greaseable Moog joints on the bottom. The kit that the local parts store rents/sells was the way to go for me. I think I used a kit from Advance Auto. The "C" clamp opening was like 10 inches or so. Worked good for me.

 

Look for my ball joint post, I think I have the info and one I used. I would rent the correct one or buy it. It makes many jobs so much easier and faster.
You could sell it or rent it out later if you want.
Any one in the Raleigh Nc area that needs mine I have loaned/rented out and will show up and over see for beer.

 

The newer trucks use a larger press , you need to be good at mechanical to get an older smaller unit to work , I've done many over the yrs.
I would never recomend buying cheap tools , rent the good one .

 

When I replaced my ball joints, I used Mr. Gadgets' pictures and instructions he has posted on this site which is an absoulely excellent instruction guide. Thanks Mr. Gadget for your help.