Replace upper ball joints without removing control arm?

[crashtest00]

I did quite a bit of searching and couldn't find a good answer to this. Has anybody replaced their upper ball joints without removing the upper control arm? I "rented" a ball joint press from AutoZone but I don't see a way to get it on the upper arm without removing the upper arm.

Would be nice to avoid adding an alignment to the list of of things to do...

 

[scubadoober]

I did it, with a rental you might have to cut the shank off the existing to press it out depending on the adapters. I have the XL OTC press and it has room. Pretty common. Be careful with the boots.

 

[Styleprojekt]

Short Answer: YES, its very possible. I installed new 555 Upper Ball joints.

Longer Answer: I just did this job yesterday with the pretty beefy ICON Ball joint Professional Set from HF. It came with all the correct cups and fittings to make it work...the threaded Rod piece definitely has to be facing downward, there obviously is no room whatsoever pointing upwards.
My truck is quite rust free (AZ) and I still had to hammer the actual Ballpoint out of the Knuckle Assembly with substantial force... then the Ball joint was pressed out of the UCA with the help of quite a bit of heat...took a while...these Yotas just LOVE to rust and seize components. So be ready for a fight...bring a lot of patience.

Once removed, make sure you thoroughly clean the mounting hole/mating surface, and apply some anti seize so the next time is hopefully a hair less painful. Pressing in was a breeze...just be aware its slightly angled not a straight press in. You need to use a slightly angled cup for that. On most Balljoints the boots will not be installed or at least not firmly, so you can take them off to ensure you don't damage them during install.

Good Luck!

 

[kevgentile]

I did quite a bit of searching and couldn't find a good answer to this. Has anybody replaced their upper ball joints without removing the upper control arm? I "rented" a ball joint press from AutoZone but I don't see a way to get it on the upper arm without removing the upper arm.

Would be nice to avoid adding an alignment to the list of of things to do...

The autozone press tool is different from the otc and most others. A co-worker ran up the street to rent one for me since we don't have one at our shop, and I couldn't use it either.

I just marked the eccentrics, pulled the arm, and used the shop press. Took no time at all and not enough change in the eccentrics to effect toe to any noticeable degree.

 

[nachocruiser]

I just did this job and went all in, changing the UCA bushings while I was at it. Having the arm out made the press work much easier too as I was able to take it over to the good ole HF 20 ton shop press. Just some ideas if they are an option, that press has come in quite handy having all 'older' vehicles.

If not, It seems I have read here or maybe saw on youtube with it done in place, besides the other confirmations you have above. FYI, I did the LBJ with the arms in place.

Since you're looking at going with the 555's, you may want to look at my thread on the fitment of these. The question I'm having is with regard to the gap between the arm and c-clip I'm seeing, vs the snug fit of the old ball joint.

Maybe @Styleprojekt will share how his fit? Perhaps you @crashtest00 got it done and can chime in yourself?

My post is titled '555 upper ball joints fitment issue?' There are pictures there so you can see what I'm talking about.