Doing ball joints - Which size puller?

B

blackfc3s

New member
For all of you who have DIY'd the lower ball joint.

What size pitman arm puller did you use?

I want to buy once.

Thanks in advance.
 
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You need a ball joint press to remove the old on off control arm. Then you need to press the new one back on. Go advanceautoparts and rent it. Total for both pitman and press is $400 bucks in deposit. When you're done they refund it.
 
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blackfc3s said:
For all of you who have DIY'd the lower ball joint.

What size pitman arm puller did you use?

I want to buy once.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Go to youtube and search for balljoint replacement toyota and take a look at some vids. Pitman arm puller won't do shit for a BJ and you can't purchase OEM BJs either, unfortunately. I replaced mine with a Moog unit and I didn't need to replace mine after I looked at it in my hand. The OEM units are very robust and I have no lifts so it was in good shape even at 320xxx miles.
 
alia176 said:
Go to youtube and search for balljoint replacement toyota and take a look at some vids. Pitman arm puller won't do shit for a BJ and you can't purchase OEM BJs either, unfortunately. I replaced mine with a Moog unit and I didn't need to replace mine after I looked at it in my hand. The OEM units are very robust and I have no lifts so it was in good shape even at 320xxx miles.
Click to expand...

You can't really tell by looking at it. Both oem on mine had no leaks and boot still looks good. But made tons of noise. Even after I removed it to check for plays , it had none. But with both new lower ball joints , it solved the knocking noise.
 
Maybe I didn't clarify - I just taking about separating the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. I already have a new complete control arm assembly waiting to be put in the truck.

I was looking at this one.
Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller

The reason I originally asked is because I know that some pullers aren't big enough and vice versa.
 
It will fit but you won't be able to remove the lower BJ. I broke the puller from freight harbor and then rented one from AutoZone and it still wouldn't budge, I used a 800lb impact and then a breaker bar with no luck. I had to take the lower control arm to a local shop and paid $40 for them to remove and install the new BJ!


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blackfc3s said:
Maybe I didn't clarify - I just taking about separating the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. I already have a new complete control arm assembly waiting to be put in the truck.

I was looking at this one.
Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller

The reason I originally asked is because I know that some pullers aren't big enough and vice versa.
Click to expand...

use a hammer. or pair of hammers.

or even a pickle fork.
 
blackfc3s said:
Maybe I didn't clarify - I just taking about separating the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. I already have a new complete control arm assembly waiting to be put in the truck.

I was looking at this one.
Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller

The reason I originally asked is because I know that some pullers aren't big enough and vice versa.
Click to expand...

I used this: Powerbuilt Tools Front End Service Kit 648626: Advance Auto Parts
Same thing I used to separate tie rods

It's free to rent..they just hold a deposit and give it all back when you return the tools
 
Yeah, get the 23 piece advance auto kit, I tried two different kits from autozone and the smaller kit from advance and they wouldn't fit it on my 4runner. The large kit had it swapped in no time.
 
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