Plan on replacing ball joints while doing brakes and diff fluid, any recommendations on a good ball joint kit that won’t break the bank? Really won’t use it often but nice to have one around.
Ball joint press recommendations?
- Thread starter DustinfromOhio
- Start date
Rent one from an auto parts store.
you’ll need this adapter
OTC (7894) Jeep/Dodge Ball Joint Service Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGW0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
you’ll need this adapter
OTC (7894) Jeep/Dodge Ball Joint Service Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGW0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I bought the OTC kit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
You'll need the OTC adapter set @Apparition linked as well.
It's a great set to have on hand. I've been able to use it for other vehicles and for u-joints and other items.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
You'll need the OTC adapter set @Apparition linked as well.
It's a great set to have on hand. I've been able to use it for other vehicles and for u-joints and other items.
I have the OTC kit and adapter as well but i'm also a tool junky and got it knowing replacing ball joints isn't too frequent. I agree with @Apparition tho, rent a good one if you're being economical. The Harbor Freight one will most likely work but will also be more difficult to use (unless you do get that 7894 Adapter).
X2 to this.
I bought the kit though as oppose to renting one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I figure it's a tool worth having around as oppose to renting.
OP
So based on what everyone’s saying, I’ll need that adapter no matter if I buy a kit or not? If that’s the case I’ll definitely just buy the adapter and rent the press.
Depending upon the kit you may be able to get away without the adapter set. The adapter set makes it easier
Yeah, the adapter gives the correct angles
I’ve done it many times without the specific jeep adaptors But they do make it much easier. I have an Astro press I believe it’s a little cheaper than otc.
Has anyone ever used this ball joint adaptor kit? Would rather not pay the OTC price for something that will likely be a one time job in my case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H3T3717/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H3T3717/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Without. Took a bit to puzzle it out but I did it.
Wonder if that expansion kit is compatible with the HF press. $32 isn't bad.
-Mac
Thanks...if you needed it, then I'll definitely need it since this is my first time doing this job. If not available to rent, there seem to be several non-OTC adaptor kits available in the $25-$30 range. The OTC adaptor kit is hard to find and/or very pricey.
In my experience, the OTC press is notably superior to the HF press. HF may have updated their material spec since I bought it so it may rate better now.
I wouldn't spend the premium on the OTC adapter kit, though.
I wouldn't spend the premium on the OTC adapter kit, though.
Totally agree and if I was running a shop and using it weekly I'd be all over OTC or something equivalent.
HF is perfectly fine for this gravel driveway shade tree mechanic.
Would be nice to know if that expansion kit works with the HF press. Always nice to have more cards in the deck.
-Mac
I too used the HF kit, it was a bit of a struggle, but managed to R&R all the ball joints with it.
OTC with the adapters. Replaced 4 sets of ball joints so far. Well worth it.