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Upper Ball Joint Removal

9556 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  74.swinger.
Ok anyone know a way to get the upper ball joints out other than the socket? (73 style) I cant find a socket local and I dont mind ordering one but I wanted to do them this weekend, I seem to remember someone talking about a wrench or something??....Also how tight should the new ones be installed (ft lbs)....
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As tight as they are in there, i wouldnt try to do it with anything but a socket for them. Have you checked a local napa or other parts stores? I bought mine from a little parts store in the area even though we have big chain stores too (I just rather give my money to a true local business if possible).

--chad
Just changed mine but had the socket. I think the torque was 125 ft lbs. Will check in the morning when I head out to the garage, unless someone else answers you sooner. Steve
Also I would soak them with some penetrating oil of some kind. Steve
Crap, doh I was afraid that'd be the answer, I tried all the chain stores, I'll try the small places tomorrow...
I got mine out with large channel locks after a little heat, But found a friend with the socket to put them back in .Much easier to insure it went in level since it is selftapping. I think he said he got his from Advance Auto Parts .They had it overnight .The brand was Ampro.

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wrflyer said:
I got mine out with large channel locks after a little heat, But found a friend with the socket to put them back in .Much easier to insure it went in level since it is selftapping. I think  he said he got his from Advance Auto Parts .They had it overnight .The brand was Ampro.

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Hmm I checked Advance today, they said they didn't have it, any idea of a part number? I have to go back there in the morning anyway to pick up my front calipers they ordered for me anyway....I'll have to ask, if nothing else do you know what size? I believe there's more than one?

Ryan
I believe there are two sizes with kinda square hole. A bodies are the smaller one up to 1972. I bought my calipers there also and they are good .They don't come with crossover lines. I bought them and the rest of my lines at Finelinesinc.com .
They have an Ampro catalog in their tool aisle . I need to go there tomorrow and order some Jets/metering rods to lean out my carbs alittle.I will look and get back with you tomorrow. Mike

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might not hurt to check with some of the tool guys- I got mine from Matco. And theres no way I'd try to take them out without the socket!
If you don't need to save the ball joint, I welded a hex nut on top like a 7/8" and turn it out with a socket. I screwed them back in w/ a large pair of electricians channel locks. I will buy the tool next time.

Tom
Ryan I checked the book manual today and it shows 125 min ft lbs. Good luck on getting them out. Steve
I had to use the socket and an impact to get mine out of my 73 Dart. I bought mine from Just Suspension. I know what's it like to have a goal for the weekend and not be able to meet it because of a single tool. Even if you get them out, order one anyway, they aren't that expensive and can save you a ton of trouble later on.
All is saved, I found a socket at a small local parts place, Robbins Auto Parts, S-K Tools part number 84688 $26 and some change, not too worried about getting them out, if the socket and impact gun alone wont do it, a little heat from the fire wrench will persude them **(*)
Thanks for all the help guys!

wrflyer, when I went back to Advance auto today the parts guys found that Ampro socket under an inch of dust in the back of the store, problem is that it's the small 72 & older size, I needed the 73 and up size (1 7/8")....
In the future if you have an Auto Zone in your area they will loan specialty tools. Put down a deposit and you get it back when you return the tool.
Small Block said:
In the future if you have an Auto Zone in your area they will loan specialty tools. Put down a deposit and you get it back when you return the tool.
Tried that, they dont have ball joint sockets, they tried to tell me that I needed a ball joint press, in fact the store manager actually started getting upset and argued with me about it....Till I got specific and told him that Chrysler used 3 sizes of screw in upper ball joints, pre 72 and older small one, 73&up a,b,e body and a third for the c bodies....He shut up after that )(/*
Yep. Ran into that myself but the store i deal with does have some knowledgeable men in there along with a few gals that do good to get the makeup on right.
Fyi.If removal of junk balljoints is all that is needed you can easily mig a axle nut to them and spin them out with a gun. Then get the right tool for installatiion,.
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