Puller type needed for LBJ swap?

I've heard the "pitman arm puller" is the best tool to remove the lower ball joints. Is that true?

If so, is there a specific size I need to get? I may end up buying one instead of renting it. Just want to make sure I don't buy the wrong thing.

Thanks

 

I used the bigger of the two of the two arm puller. I forgot what it was labeled.

I recommend using anti seize on the threads of the puller. I've ruined one by not...

And if you're not aware to use the castle nut half threaded off the ball joint threads to capture the threaded part of the puller.

 

So you mean, unscrew the castle nut a bit, put the pitman arm puller over the castle nut and crank it down?

 

I take the castle nut all the way off.

 

I think I've explained it correctly. It's un-threaded a bit so it "captures" the threaded part of the puller to keep it from walking or slipping off the ball joint stud.

 

I never could get one of those damned things to work for me. There is a hammer trick for this. I probably can't explain it the best without sketching a picture, but it is definitely on YouTube.

 

THIS x100! Save yourself the frustration. It wasn't until the 2nd time I pulled my tie rods from the knuckle that I was smart enough to do this. Works like a dream.

 

hammer and a ball joint separator fork

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfLvtEnX9qk&t=242s&list=PLPMpPriBUyJBswzxy00gJpFg55Zk2fZmq&index=16

 

I can see how that would work too. So what's better, this, or the pitman arm puller like shown in the video above?

 

Depends on if you're going to try to keep the lbjs or you're replacing them. A pickle fork can damage them if you don't know what you're getting yourself into - I've read it enough times on here to believe there's at least some kind of learning curve. You can see for yourself how the arm puller is effortless when positioned right. @Timmah!

I bought one, but personally haven't come across a ball joint that I couldn't separate with my 50/50 mix of acetone and atf and a couple moderate whacks with a hammer, of course I live in a rust-free part of the country.

 

I hate using the pickle forks. Put an arm puller works so well.

I haven't had one slip off before, but I see why seating it in the castle nut / any but would help stabilize it that much more.

 

Puller will work best, especially if its been on the truck awhile. A good c clamp and some big sockets will work also.

 

Anyone know what size / part # pitman puller I need?

 

He says it in the video at the beginning - you can buy just the part if you don't want the kit by using the part number if you freeze frame it and search on Amazon.

 

Any auto parts store will have some you can rent. Get a whole front end kit, it'll come w a few options for you to use. Then return it for a full refund

 

That's what's I ended up getting. Maybe I'll buy them another time.

 

I used a dead blow hammer. Couple swings and out

 

I wonder if that works better down in our corner of the country more than the rest of the states. I add some penetrating acetone / atf and they pop right off with a few moderate hits. Lucky for us it doesn't take much to get them separated and we don't have to beat up our trucks like cavemen!

 

Good to point that out. I'm so used to not dealing with rust that I forget the extent that others do. Dead blow has worked well for me on LBJs as well as tie rod ends that had 170k on them.