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Ball joint help.

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Old 12-09-2013, 09:50 AM
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Default Ball joint help.

Getting ready to replace my ball joints with Synergy ball joints. I was reading a write up, and they used a ball joint adapter kit. I have a harbor frieght ball joint press kit, and it worked fine on my 95' Bronco.

So, for those have replaced themselves, do i need the adapter kit or will the stock harbor frieght kit be enough.
Old 12-09-2013, 10:11 AM
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The JK ball joints are slightly angled. Many kits aren't designed for that slight angle. There is a YouTube video where a fellow successfully uses metal plates and washers to fill in the gap between the tool and the BJ seat. You might search for that if you decide your tool isn't quite correct (you will have adapters cut at a slight angle if it is right).
Old 12-09-2013, 10:50 AM
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If you have a parts store like Autozone or Advanced, they lend out certain tools. They will have a ball joint press and the 4x4 adapter set. If you already have the press, stop by a parts store and see if they have the 4x4 adapter set, it will help.

As mentioned above, you will need to get some washers to help with the slight angle.
Old 12-09-2013, 01:18 PM
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Just did mine 2 weeks ago. I didn't have the angled adapter so I used several thick washers to take up the gap and it worked out fine. Good luck!
Old 12-09-2013, 01:21 PM
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i rented the basic ome kit from autozone and didnt have an adapter. I didnt need washers either. Was sort of a pain to get it dead lined up to work though thats probably why...
Old 12-09-2013, 04:30 PM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frP1-do4K08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwpkv6kigQE

Old 12-09-2013, 05:57 PM
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I used washers and spacers too, but I have seen kits with angled adapters.

Ball joints were such a PITA to do.
Old 12-09-2013, 07:08 PM
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I watched the you tube video that Brett from Jeep Swag produced. It helped a lot and he shows how to use the washers for the proper angle. I was sore for a few days after doing the ball joints but it was worth it rather than paying the labor expense.
Old 12-09-2013, 07:17 PM
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Use a small 4lb hammer and tap the knuckle when removing it makes it a TON easier....just did mine yesterday and do several sets a month.
Auto zone puller kit is what I use and made a couple small parts to assist in it...the kit can do it alone but do enough of em I made some parts to make it raised.
Old 12-09-2013, 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Surf City Dan
I watched the you tube video that Brett from Jeep Swag produced. It helped a lot and he shows how to use the washers for the proper angle. I was sore for a few days after doing the ball joints but it was worth it rather than paying the labor expense.
Thanks for all the reply's. I plan on doing the first week in January, so I will keep watching video's. SurfCity, I was sore for a week after pounding axle sleeve's in by myself.


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