Replacing ball joints and tie rods ?s

[loho16]

I need to replace my passenger side ball joints and tie rods on the inner. Anyone have any hints on doing this? Are the ball joints riveted in? Is it easier to just get new control arms? The shop wont give me an alignment without this getting fixed.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Physh1]

They are pressed in. Uppers (moog) were cheap enough that I just bought new uppers. I'm not sure but lowers can be had for around $100 each.

Cameron

 

[josueh95]

go to an autoparts store and rent a balljoint press! will save a ton of time and work..if they are the original balljoints it could be a pain in the ass but its doable the press will work to get em out and press the new ones in. tie rods are the easiest to do

 

[loho16]

Thanks. I was thinking new control arms since it is something my dad and I can do. Never used a press before. Afraid I may mess something up

 

[livingez_123]

How will you learn if you never try? it's a fairly easy job with the rented ball joint tool from AutoZone or another local parts supplier. Think of it as good father/son time and you might learn something too! Soak the stocker joints with some penetrating oil before you begin.

 

[josueh95]

il tell you that i used my first balljoint press last spring. worked on the whole suspension with my father its a great learning experieence

 

[loho16]

I think I am going to get new ball joints and try the press. Then tackle the tie rods. Thanks for the help everyone.

Im ready to get back to modding the tahoe instead of fixing it lol

 

[loho16]

Is there anything I need to do with the torsion bars?

 

[livingez_123]

if your just doing the ball joints on the truck, no. Just be careful when you pop the first BJ lose from the hub, leave the nut on but lose this way when it pops lose the nut will catch it from springing apart. Then just press off the old BJ's and press in the new.