98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

I posted earlier about my truck and how I need to change the passenger lower ball joint (ripped boot). I went to the dealer and they want over $300 to replace it. I went to the parts store today to get everything I need thinking I would change it and the clerk tells me the ball joint is pressed in. Is this something a gearhead can change in a weekend or is there a special press needed, that the dealer has, to put the new one back in?

also I want to change the front brake pads and I now have to tell them the clerk the diameter of the rear brake drum. I am sensing maintaining this truck is going to be a little more difficult than I expected.

RE: 98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

Parts found. Advance Discount Auto.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...Shoes%2c+Front

I've never used them but there are replacement boots that you can put on without taking anything apart. They have a sealable seam on the side.

RE: 98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

i replaced all my ball joints and bushings and only used some scrap pipe that fit snugly for the ball joint removal installation
pipe, big hammer.....lots of smackin'......done
or you can pull the lower control arm and take it to a machine shop and have it pressed
ball joint was about 80 bucks (each)
time...about an hour cuz you have to pull the axle shaft loose
if you are fairly mechanical you can do it
don't be scared.....put your hands on it

RE: 98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

its a bitch,no doubt..300 sounds highish...but its a day's work in the driveway.

you'll either have to buy a press....a hundred bucks or so (a ball joint press is a pretty common tool.....its a big c-clamp that drives it in)....or remove the lower a-frame and take it to a shop and get it pressed in by a regular press.

Do you have air and impacts?..big sockets?...This can be a real bitch at home.


the brakes..I dunno why they need the rear drum size for front pads....but remove the drum and lay her ground face up...simply measure across the diameter......around 10-11 inches i imagine.

RE: 98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

Not that Im advertising for them but Advance Auto has a tool loaner program and they have a ball joint installation/removal kit that makes it a little easier. Still alot of pounding on it with a hammer, but it helps.

RE: 98 K1500 4x4 ball joint issue revisited
 

I just replaced my lower ball joints on my truck. What worked out for me was to remove the arms and take them to a shop with a press and have them take of the old and put in the new. They shouldnt charge much. It wont take them longer than 15 min. Just make sure you mark where bolts amd washers line up. So when u take it for an alignment it wont be to much work.