[Goodysgotacuda]

Have you guys been successful using the HF ball joint tool on your JK? Any other adapters/spacers needed to get the job done?

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-ball-joint-u-joint-c-frame-press-service-kit-38335.html

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-4065.html

 

[Chuck Bullitt]

Mine is the 4X4 kit.

I never seem to have the right cup for pressing the upper bj in.

I bent the c-clamp in the kit out of my own stupidity....trying to press the lower bj out and was just pressing it in more....

 

[Fklein6768]

Used the 4wd tool/spacers and got it done-made a special spacer w an angle to it to get the upper in on one side after doing the other side w what came w it. U can use washers or a castle nut too but they are a pita...

Is this thing on?

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Mine is the 4X4 kit.

I never seem to have the right cup for pressing the upper bj in.

I bent the c-clamp in the kit out of my own stupidity....trying to press the lower bj out and was just pressing it in more....

I remember the cup issue on the upper, but couldn't remember what would have fixed the issue.

I've read people tearing them up, I've also read that using an impact on them seems to work best. Keep things moving without crazy torque being applied to the tool.

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Used the 4wd tool/spacers and got it done-made a special spacer w an angle to it to get the upper in on one side after doing the other side w what came w it. U can use washers or a castle nut too but they are a pita...

Is this thing on?

Any pics?

 

[Chuck Bullitt]

I will say the Poly BJs were a hell of a lot easier to put in that those POS Crowns...

 

[Uncle Sams Misguided Child]

Spray WD-40 or better white lithium grease on the screw before you start. I think my kit now has done about 8 sets total and still going strong.

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Spray WD-40 or better white lithium grease on the screw before you start. I think my kit now has done about 8 sets total and still going strong.

I usually anti-seize every threaded tool I have. A little lube goes a long way!

 

[RODICON]

I have one and it worked good with my Tear 44 and Poly ball joints.

 

[gold knight]

Doc' s videos give step by step instructions including the spacer. I linked them for somebody on the club forum. I'll look later if you haven't got all the answers you need and post the links back here.

 

[oz97tj]

I have the first set you linked and this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piece-master-ball-joint-adapter-set-66958.html

With these, I have everything I need to get the job done. I've done my JKs a few times and a handful of other JKs along with quite a few TJs as well. With the adapter kit you'll never be without a spacer you need and it makes the job much simpler.

I also agree on the antiseize. I put a shit ton on my ball joints when installing new ones. They slide in much easier during install, and when they need replaced it's much simpler too. For reference, I did a Poly install in a JK without antiseize (or any lube for that matter) once and those bastards were almost harder to press in than the rusty ones were coming out. They must be slightly over sized compared to the stockers. However, with antiseize on them, they press in very nicely.

 

[EMG006]

I agree with this guy ^^^. I used his tools and idea on anti seize, worked very nice.

 

[Fklein6768]

Any pics?

Nothing fancy-1-1/4" pipe. About 1-7/8" high ground down at a slight angle to about 1-5/8" on the low side. Worked perfect.

Hello kitty reference for doc

Is this thing on?

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Thanks for the pic, is that 1-1/4" ID or OD pipe?

 

[Fklein6768]

OD

Is this thing on?

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Is the rust and grime purely optional, or is it the key to the success of this specially fabricated tool?

 

[FireTrail741]

anti-seize is mans second best friend!

 

[JK Timmay]

I have it and have used it many times without issue. Put in a full set of ball joints in the JK and even used it on a Toyota to change out a set of uniballs.

 

[Mr.RonGilbert]

I bought the 4x4 kit and it worked but was a PITA... even after the Doc-ucation video.

The fabbed spacer would make the job much easier, that part - getting the space right with the shit supplied in the kit -sucked bawlz (my first try, middle of summer, in the garage... added to the overall experience). For sure doable... especially with your background.

I am going to fab up a spacer for the next time I need it.

 

[M&M's]

We use Jim's (Uncle Sams Misguided Child) set for all our change outs here. We have done a lot of mods to the kit and added various spacers of 1" pipe cut to 1" lengths (we have extras in the box in case they bend or break) and we have ground down the smaller tube adapter for the upper installation so it sits more squarely on the underside of the upper knuckle while pressing in the upper BJ.

We also welded a large dia washer on top of one of the caps to keep the clamp from slipping off too during reinstallation. This really helps a lot especially if your clamp wants to keep sliding off!

We also have a few standard 1/2" washers to use on the lower BJ removal.

We start out by cleaning the mounting holes with emery cloth or a dremel tool then grease the new BJ's well before putting them in. We then use an impact wrench to make the job way easier and faster.

With JKennedy's help, we have ball joint R&R's down to a stressless 1hr job.