Ball joint tool kit
- Thread starter OctaviousMonk
- Start date
I've used the basic kit with the adapter set several times now. It's not the greatest quality but it has performed well for my occasional needs.
I have these two
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R2JPLQ7/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJ5JTW7/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Ive done 8 ball joints with it so far, and have another 4 to replace soon. Works fine for the $80 I paid for them. I hope to not do any more ball joints for a long time after I finish my replacement axle, so I went cheaper tool.
The master kit you linked would probably be helpful if you work on more than just the TJ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R2JPLQ7/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJ5JTW7/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Ive done 8 ball joints with it so far, and have another 4 to replace soon. Works fine for the $80 I paid for them. I hope to not do any more ball joints for a long time after I finish my replacement axle, so I went cheaper tool.
The master kit you linked would probably be helpful if you work on more than just the TJ
I have the basic kit , but would of bought the master kit if I would of known of it. works good for u-joints too !
OTC ball joint press kit and the OTC Jeep adapters works really well and if I recall, there was an empty spot in the press kit container to store the jeep adapters.
I had the adapters for years and used them with the rental kits from the parts store, finally got the press itself on a screaming deal that was open box and returned for like half off - flawless condition.
I had the adapters for years and used them with the rental kits from the parts store, finally got the press itself on a screaming deal that was open box and returned for like half off - flawless condition.
I recommend the OTC set. AutoZone currently has it for $140. You get a handful of receiving tubes of various sizes and a few adapters. Paired with the adapter kit for the jeep/dodge. Its a strong unit and the one I have used has done many, many ball joints.
I just bought the harbor freight kit and it works fine..I am an amatuer mechanic not someone doing it every day.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRGXY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRGW0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Had them for 12 years. works well. No complaints.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRGW0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Had them for 12 years. works well. No complaints.
OP
So you haven’t needed any other adapters (besides the mopar ones) to warrant the master kit? That’s what I’m wondering. Basic kit or master kit.
The only vehicle I've changed the ball joints on with the kit is the Jeep. I found the Jeep adapters very helpful for that process though maybe not absolutely necessary. I've done u-joints on multiple Jeeps. I haven't kept track of how many of the pieces of the kit I've used but it seems like most if not all of them. For my needs, I've had the right combination of pieces in the kits I bought.
OP
What pain follows? I’ve always hammered them in but now I’m curious
many times a press will bend the ears on the shaft yoke.
If I recall from when I did my homework, the smaller set does not include the pieces required to press the upper control arm bushings. Accordingly, I bought the master set since ball joints are the primary, but not only, use of a kit like this
06TJ35's
TJ Addict
I just did mine with the HF setup I've had for years, no mopar adapter. Frozen uppers drop right in, lowers needed the tool. I just took my time and adjusted if it looked like they weren't going in "straight"