Eugene area help

Anybody in the Eugene area that would be willing to help out a 4runner guy? I just moved out here from St. Louis, and living in an apartment has me limited on what I can do. I can't seem to find a 4runner member or local group that's will to help me out with installing some UCA's.

I have a set of All Pro UCA's for my 3rd Gen 4runner that I'm needing to install. I really concerned with getting the upper ball joints out since that will most likely be the most difficult part. The ball joints were installed about 2 years along with new uca's so nothing should be seized up.

Let me know if anyone is willing, and of course I'll supply the beer.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Hey Mike,


Pretty easy job there, but I can see why you'd want some assistance. There is a solid group of us up north of you in the Portland area. For garage access, a lot of folks use Gearhead Garage in Tigard.

If you are on Facebook, check out the group PNW Expedition & PDX Overlanders, both have lots of locals that will be able to help.

 

I put a post on the PDX group, but never had anything happen with that. There was some talk about trying to get together a work day, but I don't think anything came of that.

My biggest area of concern is what tool to use for removing the UBJ? I have no problems picking up a new jack, and some jack stands since they always come in handy. Worse case my apartment complex will give me a warning the first time around, and that's fine with me. I've heard of people using a 3 jaw long arm puller, and a ball joint press with the 4x4 adapter. Just not sure which one would be best.

 

I'd normally say come on over and lets get it done, but that's literally all I've done for the past 2 months other than camp and need to have a weekend without wrenching.

 

I completely understand. I'll most likely end up buying a jack and stands to knock it out this week. It may have to wait until the end of the week or weekend if we get rain like they're calling for.

After getting a couple quotes I think that's the best option.

 

I have a low profile harbor freight jack I would sell

 

I'm listening. Shoot me a PM.

 

If you don't care about the ball joints, borrow a pickle fork from Oriely's or AutoZone, and just smack it with a big hammer.

 

That's not the part I'm worried about. I'm worried about having to get the ball joints off the spindle. Separating the UCA from the ball joint will be easy.

 

I'm not worried about that. I have a pickle fork, hammer, and pitman arm puller to separate the UCA from the upper ball joint. That's the easy part. A 3rd Gen 4runner is not the same as a 4th Gen either. The UCA and ball joint are completely different.

Pressing the ball joint out of the spindle can't be done with a BFH unless you want to damage the spindle. That I don't have tools for, and will have to get. I would need either a ball joint press or a long three arm puller for that. Not to mention a jack, and jack stands. If I were still in St. Louis I would have had this done a long time ago, but unfortunately I left all my tools behind.

 

Pretty sure I know what Gen I have, and 110% sure a BFH won't get the ball joint out either. I had to use a shop press 2 years ago to remove the last ones, and the same press to get the new ones in.

Trust on this. I know what I'm talking about! I'm not looking to debate this, I'm looking for a hand helping.

 

This may help. LINK

 

Yeah, it's a horrible design and a pain to work on.

 

Wow!! That's a screwy design.

 

Project complete. I ended up getting the work done at my wife's work. She works for Northwest Youth Core, and they had a nicely stocked work shop for working on their own vehicles. I took me about 3 hours to get everything finished, and not too difficult. I forgot to get pictures before I put the wheels back on, but the popping sound is just about gone now. After an alignment, and new inn and outter TRE's I'll be in good shape.