99 Yukon owner from Derby, KS

[jakcol997]

Yeah i suggest you drive it until something breaks then fix it

I fee that! Already replaced the fuel pump, starter, battery & water pump! Thinking my alternator might be weakening, is that a thing?? Ball joints are my next big boy job!

 

[Squirrelsmith]

I fee that! Already replaced the fuel pump, starter, battery & water pump! Thinking my alternator might be weakening, is that a thing?? Ball joints are my next big boy job!

I rebuilt the entire front suspension on mine. I actually got pulled over for swerving haha!!!!

 

[Squirrelsmith]

and by the way it was a massive pain in the ass

 

[jakcol997]

and by the way it was a massive pain in the ass

Don’t tell me that!!! I’ve already done the shocks, I have the tie rods in hand & stabilizer bars in hand, just have to get the ball joints!

 

[Squirrelsmith]

Getting the lower ball joints out and the new ones in for me took a 20lbs sledgehammer and the top ones are riveted in. It was the mother of all *******

 

[jakcol997]

Just put some new Trailfinders on this bad boy! Make it look mean and tough!

 

[jakcol997]

Getting the lower ball joints out and the new ones in for me took a 20lbs sledgehammer and the top ones are riveted in. It was the mother of all *******

How did you get the top ones replaced then? If you don’t mind me asking I finally got my ball joints for Christmas!

 

[willxfs]

For the upper ball joints, the head of the pressed in rivet has to be ground off. Then you can sometimes bang the rest of the rivet out with a punch and big hammer. I've read that a torch and heat can help. When I did mine, I started with a smaller drill bit and drilled a hole length wise thru the center of the rivet and then progressively used a bigger drill bit. I dont remember how large a hole I ended up with. Maybe 1/4 inch or a bit bigger?? Then used a punch to hammer the rivet out. It was a ***** for the first one. Second one a little easier. I recall trying to press the lower ball joints back in. I ended up renting the press from autozone but didn't get the adapter for 4wd. Didn't realize they rented that part too until after I was done. I also remember the lower ball joint not wanting to go back in straight. I had to rotate the C shaped press 180 degrees every couple of turns on the wrench to finally get the ball joint to go in straight. Its a big job but doable for the average guy with good wrenching skills. Good luck. Oh yeah, I think there are two different sizes for the lower ball joint. At least for 4wd anyway. Be sure to get the correct size...

 

[shofzr]

Welcome aboard, I’m in the Dallas Texas area now, but I grew up in Mulvane KS.


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[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon. As has been asked, pics. Where is Derby, Kansas?