Upper and lower ball joints

[helfmann]

Guys (girls for sure as well - LOL)...
I need upper an lower control arms, at least the ball joints.

a.) Whats better replace the whole A-arm?
b.) Just replace the ball joints (guess you can get them as spare part)?

Edit:
OK did some research I guess I don't need the control itself so looking for a rebuild kit - parts at least.
Found PST (http://www.p-s-t.com/fektvpg.html) and at sytyarchives the parts list from Michael (Control Arm Bushings –K6418 - $45 (1 req) / Sway Bar Bushings – K6455 - $12.50 (1 req) (1 ¼”) Upper Ball Joint – K5320 - $49 ea (2 req) /Lower Ball Joint – K5289 - $48 ea (2 req) / Leaf Spring Bushings – SB335 - $10 (1 req))... on top @ suspension connection this (http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/KG03013G3.html?mv_pc=froogle).

NOW I am puzzled. What do I need? Should I go with the kit from PST? Could need some advise to rebuild the front end.

Anyone in SoCal volunteering to do this job after I got an estimate for 1200 bucks (parts + labor)? Volunteer does not mean free - LOL and I know the ball joints are a PITA.

Have to get rid of my vibrations in the front and this seemed to be the cause (idler arm is new).

PM if you want

M@

 

[sy2185]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

what part of socal? Maybe we could do both of ours.I got a similar estimate from a local shop, but after losing all that $ on the DPT coil over "deal", I'm pretty sure I'll keep the stock arms. Reply here or pm me.
Jeremy

 

[helfmann]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

Looking at your sig/profile you are in San Diego, I am in Northern L.A.

M@

 

[VermontTy]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

1) Check to see if the ball joints have ever been changed. If you're an original owner, or owned the truck for a long time, or it has real low miles, you probably have origianl joints which sucks. OEM ball joints will be riveted to the control arms. If they've been replaced, they'll be bolted. If they're bolted, any Tom Dick and Harry can change them out in a few hours.

2) Using an angle grinder, you grind off the heads of the rivet and punch it out. It's kinda loud and what not, but I bought a grinder at Sears last week that came in a case with 2 grinding wheels for $30. Some people opt to drill the rivets out. I didn't.

You don't need new control arm bushings and sway bar bushings just to change ball joints. If you wanted to do them while you're in there and have everything apart, that's another story, but changing ball joints is just that, ball joints.

My call is do it yourself and instead of a $1,200 job, spend $200 on the ball joints and learn a skill.

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

replacing the ball joints can take hours, you'll need a pry bar to seperate the spindle from the ball joints.

I've done it 3 times on my DD, and once on the ty. The job sucks, which is why mechanics charge so much to do it. Give yourself PLENTY of extra time, and beer, it can get VERY frustrating, so make sure the wife/gf isn't on your case about going somewhere, don't want any fights or anything. Just sit back, relax and get ready to work your ass off getting the ball joints out and then back in.

 

[bezerk]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

there are some great tools around for splicing the spindels from the balljoints.
if i was going to do more than 1, i would sure buy one.

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

there are some great tools around for splicing the spindels from the balljoints.
if i was going to do more than 1, i would sure buy one.

I have a 2ft long breaker bar that I use, it works wonders

 

[DOMN8R]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

you may want to consider JS coilovers. my front suspension had issues and I almost got the PST kit. but man, $400+ is really a lot to invest in such a poor suspension design no matter the quality of their components. money is tight for me and it was a big decision to spend that kind of money. there is no comparison... coilovers are expensive but since you have to change the control arms anyway, if you're ever planning to get them now would be a good time.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

you may want to consider JS coilovers. my front suspension had issues and I almost got the PST kit. but man, $400+ is really a lot to invest in such a poor suspension design no matter the quality of their components. money is tight for me and it was a big decision to spend that kind of money. there is no comparison... coilovers are expensive but since you have to change the control arms anyway, if you're ever planning to get them now would be a good time.

:stupid: You beat me to it, I did the suspension rebuild in my Ty (balljoints/bushings) and it sucked to do. It my Sy when the balljoints were needed, I bought JS suspension. I t still is a lot of work, but atleast I justify the upgrade.

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

Matthias, i have all the parts in stock and can save you some money from those quotes. I'm a little too busy to do the labor though. You can swing by whenever.

 

[helfmann]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

Great - Will give you a call Friday. You are still at the same place?

M@

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Upper and lower ball joints

same place on corner of Desoto and PLummer in chatsworth. see website for a local map.