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Upper ball joint install now completed

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Rob MacRuger, Oct 31, 2019.

  1. Oct 31, 2019 at 2:33 PM
    #1
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have some Moog K80811's upper ball joints ready to install.
    I couldn't get the original ball joints out. Seems if I had a 6.5" C-press it would be very easily
    possible. I got them half way out but had to press them back in for try #2.
    IMG_0984.jpg IMG_0985.jpg
    I am now looking for a 9" C-press to borrow/rent/buy. That would make this a quick and simple job.
    I have the right adapters but just need another 1/2" of clearance. Or make that I don't have the right adapters, LOL. I tried cutting one of the adapters shorter and my saw blade failed miserably against this hardened steel.
    This attempt was a rat sh!t, bat sh!t, eat a bag of sh!t experience! Next time will be smooth sailing as I know what is needed. I packed the original boot full of grease and installed back on the upper ball joint just in case it takes a while to do this again.
    Anyone here dealt with this and have input? No wonder why I kept reading about people just replacing the upper control arms.
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2019
  2. Nov 1, 2019 at 11:58 AM
    #2
    MolonLabeTaco

    MolonLabeTaco Well-Known Member

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    Screw the nut on it & hammer the piss out of it. Shocking it usually helps it release.
     
  3. Nov 1, 2019 at 1:27 PM
    #3
    azzwethinkweiz

    azzwethinkweiz Well-Known Member

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    ^^ I think he is talking about removing the actual ball joint not separating them from the knuckle but I could be wrong and I misunderstood what you're saying.

    Doesn't help you do it easily but I've taken the control arms out and did the BJs on a bench press. The control arm isn't too hard to remove but you may need to bend some metal to get the long bolt out.
     
    Rob MacRuger[OP] and Gunshot-6A like this.
  4. Nov 1, 2019 at 2:30 PM
    #4
    yaaj2005

    yaaj2005 Well-Known Member

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    Just buy a new UCA... Save the headache … It can be done, but more work than buying a new one....
     
    LAMCKMA007 and Naveronski like this.
  5. Nov 1, 2019 at 2:48 PM
    #5
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    service kit.jpg
    I'm trying to press out the upper ball joint.
    It does work but I'd probably end up smashing something then having to fix it.
    I have one of these. No one will ever catch me doing that third world sledge hammer thing, at least not in my driveway.;)
    But thanks!
     
    SR-71A likes this.
  6. Nov 1, 2019 at 11:52 PM
    #6
    yaaj2005

    yaaj2005 Well-Known Member

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    Just order one from Rockauto... if you are looking for OEM style...
     
  7. Nov 2, 2019 at 4:32 AM
    #7
    LAMCKMA007

    LAMCKMA007 Well-Known Member

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    You created a post which no one replied to, then you replied saying no one replied, next someone replied and you completely disregarded their common sense approach, somebody else replied and then you decided to indirectly bash them and their method when they were just trying to help you like you asked for. But you miss people that do write ups that get banned. Got it.
     
    Hobbs, fiftyxp and lil_buddy like this.
  8. Nov 2, 2019 at 11:01 AM
    #8
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Old ball joints out and new ones in. 20 minutes per side not including jacking and removing the tires. Thank you compressed air and 9" Astro C press.
    I almost caved for new UCA's but I already had the ball joints and was now determined to get this done.
     
    69L46Vert and Muddinfun like this.
  9. Nov 7, 2019 at 10:58 AM
    #9
    LAMCKMA007

    LAMCKMA007 Well-Known Member

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    If I were you I wouldn't look forward to anything that I have to offer you. I simply can not apologize for offending you with my truth and common sense and I look forward to you reporting me in the future (again) while you're thinking you have manipulated me into being banned (again). I am not in a popularity contest with anyone including you, so please continue your current path on the internet but not in reality as I'm positive you do.
     
  10. Nov 7, 2019 at 12:22 PM
    #10
    Steve_P

    Steve_P Well-Known Member

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    Good job on the proper DIY and staying away from sledge hammers on new parts :) .

    Is the Astro 9" inside? I have the OTC and I'd guess it's 6". But, the tubes are also probably 1.5" long so it's not an issue. I thought the Astro was about the same size; it looks like it in the pictures.

    The OTC:

    20190727_140659.jpg
     
  11. Nov 7, 2019 at 2:24 PM
    #11
    69L46Vert

    69L46Vert Well-Known Member

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    Good job! Nice pro tool. I need to get one of those things.
     
  12. Nov 7, 2019 at 2:31 PM
    #12
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you @steve p and @69L46Vert, yes the Astro Goliath is 9" inside diameter and comes with two screws. One is much shorter for limited access and is invaluable in my opinion.
    I own the OTC 6" kit. It was great for the lower ball joints and U-joints but couldn't quite do the upper ball joints with the adapters I have.
    I'll post a write up with pics in the suspension forum when I get some time. Not that anybody really cares, LOL.
    My reasoning was why waste a perfectly good UCA when all I wanted was new upgraded ball joints. It was really quick and easy when I had the right tools.

    Here she is. The two adapters I used to remove the ball joints are between 3 and 3.5" each. I didn't even need to use the short live pin from another kit.
    9 inch c press (2).jpg
    BTW removing the old upper ball joints took about 3 seconds of air hammer burst but installing the new HD Moog ones took all my old 20 gallon 5hp compressor and HF 1/2” Earthquake composite wrench had to fully seat them.
    E8B779D3-8C18-4652-90F9-BC8482F5DB6C.jpg 837F4FBA-F9C2-4D6E-BA99-017230C90E64.jpg Upper right ball joint.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2021
  13. Nov 7, 2019 at 2:34 PM
    #13
    LAMCKMA007

    LAMCKMA007 Well-Known Member

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    I got banned within 2 minutes of replying to your message (posted below). I hadn't had any disagreements with anyone at that point, other than with you.

    I'm sick with pneumonia and hadn't had any mind altering of anything for weeks and I still haven't because I'm still sick with pneumonia. The prescribed meds haven't done anything for me. I know you care about me so I'll go ahead and let you know that I'm seeing the doctor again in 45 minutes from now. I'll let the doctor know you think I need professional mental help, even though I hadn't had a problem with anyone else.

    You asked for help twice, you got it twice, and your behavior both times after receiving help contradicts that I'm the one with a mental problem. I hope you enjoyed my message back to you as I failed to take a screenshot of it before hitting the send button. Perhaps it's in a sent box, I don't know, I haven't looked.
    .
    20191107_142221.jpg
     
  14. Nov 7, 2019 at 2:34 PM
    #14
    TuTacos2Go

    TuTacos2Go 2nd / 3rd Gen Hybrid

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    If water boils at 212, the feelings on this forum start the day at 211

    Any
    Little
    Thing

    And Boom!! There it goes
     
  15. Nov 7, 2019 at 2:47 PM
    #15
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    I think a lot of people’s reasoning is because if the arm is old enough to need a new ball joints, chances are the bushings need some love. And stock ucas with low miles are readily available for cheap because of people lifting their trucks.
     
  16. Nov 7, 2019 at 3:34 PM
    #16
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I agree with your reasoning. It makes perfect sense. Too bad I'm not as wise as I think I am.
    I was chasing down some squeaking and clunking so purchased several parts.
    By the time the problems were actually corrected, before the upper ball joints went in, the parts return window was over.
    When the UCA bushings go I will tackle those too just because but the ball joints better still be good!
     
    EatSleepTacos[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Nov 7, 2019 at 3:53 PM
    #17
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Have you had to remove rubber bushings before? Goooooood lord it’s a huge pita. Requires fire and patience
     
  18. Nov 7, 2019 at 4:15 PM
    #18
    Rob MacRuger

    Rob MacRuger [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I do like a challenge.
    Maybe this is a wake up message and I’ll heed your advise, not. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2020
    EatSleepTacos[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Nov 7, 2019 at 4:20 PM
    #19
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Yeah trust me on this one. It’s a huge bitch and easier to replace the arms.
     
  20. Nov 11, 2019 at 6:01 AM
    #20
    Steve_P

    Steve_P Well-Known Member

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    Very cool. I haven't seen the "Goliath" before and had no idea there was anything larger available.
     

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