Preferred ball joint press?

[Derick]

Hey ya'll...do you guys have a preferred ball joint press? I had to put on a new ball joint over the weekend and it was a bear with the unit I rented from oreilly. I just felt like it was going to break. Do you guys have units that you like and work with HD type equipment?

 

[wjburken]

The Powerbuilt brand that I used from AutoZone seemed to work fine. The main issue I had was getting a rental set from AutoZone that had all the adapters and spacers with it. They ended up taking a brand new one off the shelf for me because they could make a complete set with the ones they had.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I have this Maddox one from Harbor Freight and it worked fine the 2 or 3 times I've used it.

Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

Amazing deals on this Balljoint Srvc Kit 2Wd And 4Wd Vehicles at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I replaced my control arms, which came with new ball joints attached. It seemed to be an easier and much more complete maintenance task to refresh the suspension bushings.

 

[OR VietVet]

I agree with @Joseph Garcia and use the complete arms with new ball joints and new bushings.

I have this Maddox one from Harbor Freight and it worked fine the 2 or 3 times I've used it.

Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

Amazing deals on this Balljoint Srvc Kit 2Wd And 4Wd Vehicles at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

There is a guy here in Eugene, selling the same set for $50. Of no use to me because I use the whole arm. Could likely buy for $30 though.

Maddox Ball Joint Service Kit For 2WD And 4WD Vehicles - tools - by...

Used but in good working order. Let me know if you have any questions 541-731-070eight

eugene.craigslist.org

 

[gooffeyguy]

I agree with @Joseph Garcia and use the complete arms with new ball joints and new bushings.


There is a guy here in Eugene, selling the same set for $50. Of no use to me because I use the whole arm. Could likely buy for $30 though.

Maddox Ball Joint Service Kit For 2WD And 4WD Vehicles - tools - by...

Used but in good working order. Let me know if you have any questions 541-731-070eight

eugene.craigslist.org

I bought mine 3-4 years ago. It was like $59 and I had a 10% off coupon. I've used it on my 2001 and 2011.

OP, don't forget that if replacing the upper arms to get an alignment afterwards.

 

[Derick]

I agree with @Joseph Garcia and use the complete arms with new ball joints and new bushings.

Indeed, however on the 2500s, there is no lower control arm. I'll assume the 1500s do. I know my old envoy did. But on the 2500 burb its a torsion bar suspension, so you MUST press in a new ball joint. God I wish they had bolt on BJs.

 

[Derick]

I have this Maddox one from Harbor Freight and it worked fine the 2 or 3 times I've used it.

Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

Amazing deals on this Balljoint Srvc Kit 2Wd And 4Wd Vehicles at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I've already broken one of those...so thats out...

 

[gooffeyguy]

Wow, what part of the tool broke?

 

[Tonyv__]

The Powerbuilt brand that I used from AutoZone seemed to work fine. The main issue I had was getting a rental set from AutoZone that had all the adapters and spacers with it. They ended up taking a brand new one off the shelf for me because they could make a complete set with the ones they had.

Because they don’t even look at the tools when you bring them back lol