UCA install - DIY or Shop

[soundstudio315]

If you been following any of my other threads, you'll know I have some ICON tubular UCA's on the way.

How hard is the install, is it a real pain or straightforward?

 

[sooner02r1]

Pretty simple with the right tools. Might need a balljoint puller for the stock one. I wouldn't pay for it.

 

[blcktpgsr]

I also installed the UCA's myself..like sooner02r1 said, you'll need a BJ puller in order to remove the UBJ from the spindle, and upon installation of the spindle adapter back into the spindle.

here are pics for your reference pertaining to the use of te BJ puller both ways.

 

[Johnny4runner]

I'm getting ready to put on new UCAs also. Anything wrong with using a pickle fork to remove the ball joint? I thought proper torquing would seat the spindle on the new ball joint? Am I wrong, do you need a special tool to install the new ball joint? If possible I would like to borrow whatever I need from the auto store, which usually only have pickle forks.

Are ball joint pullers "sized" in any particular way to determine which one you need?

Also anyone have luck with the old-school "whack it 'till it comes off" approach? I wasn't planning on relying on that, but it's what a lot of Jeepers recommend.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm getting ready to put on new UCAs also. Anything wrong with using a pickle fork to remove the ball joint? I thought proper torquing would seat the spindle on the new ball joint? Am I wrong, do you need a special tool to install the new ball joint? If possible I would like to borrow whatever I need from the auto store, which usually only have pickle forks.

Are ball joint pullers "sized" in any particular way to determine which one you need?

Also anyone have luck with the old-school "whack it 'till it comes off" approach? I wasn't planning on relying on that, but it's what a lot of Jeepers recommend.

This is what I did. I rented a puller from the auto parts store, couldn't get it to work. Ended up giving 2-3 blows with a hammer and it popped right off. I didn't do anything special to install, just let the torque do the job.

This is pretty easily done as a DIY, only issue is separating the upper ball joint. Also, a second set of hands really helps.

 

[jbstrd]

If you are installing UCA's in a 4th or 5th Gen, it is a little easier than a 3rd Gen. You don't have to press the whole ball joint out of the spindle, just the ball joint stud. I have used a tie rod puller for the ball joints. It works great. Pickle forks do not work well IMO, and they damage the ball joint boot.