Front end tools

I'm looking at purchasing some tools to change ball joints and whatever else I'd need to on my cars. Since I'm doing the LBJ in my tacoma soon and I'm tired of renting tools I was looking at this. What do you guys think?
OTC 6295 Front End Service Set

$147 OTC 6295 Front End Service Set for Pitman Arms, Ball Joints, and Tie Rods

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRH7O/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_sinGBbEA6DH27

I have a 08 sequoia, 14 Avalon, 02 taco, 91 celica and a 69 mustang that I've been working on. I guess I can try calling otc but I like to bug you guys

 

That what I keep thinking. Just rent the tools... so I should buy a small 5lb sledge. I'll look for a ball joint press

 

I have owned a pickle fork for 20 years and used it once. Hammertime. Also, a ball joint press would fit into the same category as a used not very often tool (for me). I haven't needed one in a LOOONG time (I have Uniball UCA's. If I were you just buy some other tools that will help.

That said, I did buy this tool, and OH MY GOD it saved me so much time. I didn't have to pull the UCA's off the truck to swap uniballs, and it worked PERFECTLY. It will likely be a tool I use once in a while but man, money well spent will save you time which of course equals money.

https://allgermanmotorsports.com/uniball-tool

 

I looked at that set when I changed my front axle but I cheaped out and bought two single ones that didn't fit and one of those clamp spreaders with the bolt on one end and the spreader on the other. $19 at Harbor Freight.

When it slipped off it boogered the threads on the tie rod end.

I did get my money back but also had to pay $45 for a new tie rod end. If I had it to do over again I would spend the $99 for the real McCoy....

 

The only tool I bought was the pitman puller, I think I paid like $12 for it AutoZone. I know there isn't a pitman arm on the truck, but it works on the tierods. Really useful tool for other stuff as well, definitely got my $12 bucks worth out of it

 

$62 OEMTOOLS 27170 Heavy Duty Pitman Arm Puller Pull & Repair Pitman Arms, Bearings, Collars, Gears, & More Light Truck & Car Repair Tool Adjustable Jaws Simple, Effective, & Useful

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-27170-Heavy-Pitman-Puller/dp/B004FEPE80

This did the job for the upper/lower ball joints, and outer tie rod ends on my truck. Rented it from auto zone. If I ever have to take the front end apart again I might just purchase one. Would be great to have for a trail repair too.

 

@Jamesboy2233

1. I removed the nut on the tie rod end.

2. I put the tool on the tie rod end with the bolt centered on the threaded end.

3. I tightened the bolt and watched the other end open.

4. The bolt became exceedingly hard to turn.

5. It finally snapped. It did separate the tie rod end but actually broke the threaded end such that a small piece came off. The threads were boogered, but a couple of days later I was able to file them and put the nut back on without problems.

I returned the tool to HF. Here is what I used:

​

 

Did you need a specific size or does it only a one size?
I'll more than likely just rent or buy one of these. I did purchase a 5lb sledge btw
Thanks everyone

 

I have all the tools if I need one I go buy it.

My hours are seldom aligned with getting loaner tools Holidays seem to play into that as well .

Might not work for every one

i have had good luck with the OTC line

 

Your not helping me to just rent lol
I like otc as well. I bought the hub grappler for my other car to replace the wheel bearings from Amazon for cheap because it was missing a couple special washers.
I called otc to buy them and they sent me them for free and registered it for the lifetime warranty.

 

I just rented this one. Thanks

 

I can't speak for all the other vehicles, but for the Taco, all you really need are a pitman arm puller (this will take both the outer tie rod and the balljoint/lower control arm apart), and a balljoint press (the one that looks like a C clamp).

https://www.eastwood.com/fairmount-...MI0ubC-PKV3QIVw0GGCh2fCA0WEAQYASABEgIyFPD_BwE

The pitman arm pullers are like $15, I just bought one. The BJ press I've so far just rented since they're a little more pricey, and since I went to uniball UCA's I probably won't need one again.

I struggled for a long time first time I did my upper BJs with this method using a 3 arm puller and a flatbar, etc... Took like 2 days and LOTS of swearing. 2nd time I did them I was actually replacing the upper BJs with a uniball UCA, but you still need to press the old ones out, and press in the plug adapter for the UCA/uniball. The proper tool here made ALL the difference. Even the clapped out rental tool made it go easier. I also set the adapter plugs in the freezer overnight and they almost fell into place.

 

I don't even like the expensive version of that tool, harbor freight or not. The pitman arm pullers seem to have a better purchase on the tie rod and the lower control arm so are less likely to jump around as it pops free.

With any of these tools you just need to make sure you leave the castle nut most of the way on (but not tight, obviously). When the BJ or tre pops loose, it won't pop off and go flying into the next county.

 

I don't think I left the castle nut on when I did the job (don't know why though), judging by the way the OTR threads were damaged when the tool slid off. Here's what it looked like:

In hindsight, I should have left the nut on and used a piece of 1/8 steel between the top of the nut and the tool. Oh well... ​

 

When I rented that pitman arm tool from Vato Zone, the threads on the bolts were toast. I went by the hardware store (2 doors down) and picked up some longer and fully threaded bolts and wing nuts, less than $5 total.

Good luck with the install.

 

It went great, thanks . Usually when I rent tools like this, they are new..... like I'm the only one who's used it new. The only tools I've rented that were beat up is spring compressors.
I guess people where I live dont like to work on cars.....