Need help with ball joints

[Jeremy4601]

So, in an attempt to make 250,000 miles ride more like 100,000 ( or as close as possible), I am in progress on new sway bar bushings, links, tie rods, hubs, ball joints, etc. I’m learning my way thru this as I go because I’m just too cheap to pay someone else. Lol

I’ve made good progress but seem to be stumped by this lower ball joint. Truck info should be in the sig, but to specify... she’s a ‘02 LT 4WD. I got the upper done, but the lower appears to press down and out... and there seems to be 4 places where the top side is almost crimped out to help secure it. No snap rings or anything like that. I’ve only found one video online specific to my setup and these guys were going at this thing with a grinder before hammering it out from above.

Do I have a trip to Lowe’s in my future to buy a grinder? Or is there an obvious (or not so much) solution that I’m just not seeing?

 

[mattbta]

I used a chisel to hammer out those tabs. I probably could have used a cutting wheel on a dremel, too.

 

[Jeremy4601]

Ok. So I’m not crazy then? Not only did they kinda “underbuild” the front ends on these trucks, but they also over complicated the simple things.

 

[MarKist]

Hope this helps, it's not hard to do.

 

[Byoung1330]

So, in an attempt to make 250,000 miles ride more like 100,000 ( or as close as possible), I am in progress on new sway bar bushings, links, tie rods, hubs, ball joints, etc. I’m learning my way thru this as I go because I’m just too cheap to pay someone else. Lol

I’ve made good progress but seem to be stumped by this lower ball joint. Truck info should be in the sig, but to specify... she’s a ‘02 LT 4WD. I got the upper done, but the lower appears to press down and out... and there seems to be 4 places where the top side is almost crimped out to help secure it. No snap rings or anything like that. I’ve only found one video online specific to my setup and these guys were going at this thing with a grinder before hammering it out from above.

Do I have a trip to Lowe’s in my future to buy a grinder? Or is there an obvious (or not so much) solution that I’m just not seeing?

Yes use chisel an hammer or a grinder. Then hit it with a hammer an they fall out. Did both mine. Takes less than 10 min to get them out. Getting new ones in takes a little longer lol

 

[Jeremy4601]

I appreciate y’all’s comments. It took me a couple of days all told, but she is put back together and riding as smooth as she ever has for me. Now, in true form for me, I have almost immediately moved into another cry for attention from my ‘hoe. She’s seems to be very needy lately, but as long as she keeps me going for less than a note and insurance on a new one... I’m happy to oblige.

I have a new post up in “general” titled troubleshooting help if any of you are feeling up to it. Lol