Upper ball joint reboot procedure?

[re_guderian]

So I'm a noob to IFS work, and I couldn't find a definitive answer after a search...

I need to reboot my upper ball joints as both are torn. Lowers are in good shape. Is it necessary to pull the hub, brake, CV and all, or can I get away with just taking off the shock, removing the cotter pin and nut from the top ball joint, and "whacking" the top of the knuckle to drop the knuckle assembly? Then just pull the upper arm with ball joint out to replace the boot?

 

[Mxndrnks]

So I'm a noob to IFS work, and I couldn't find a definitive answer after a search...

I need to reboot my upper ball joints as both are torn. Lowers are in good shape. Is it necessary to pull the hub, brake, CV and all, or can I get away with just taking off the shock, removing the cotter pin and nut from the top ball joint, and "whacking" the top of the knuckle to drop the knuckle assembly? Then just pull the upper arm with ball joint out to replace the boot?

You could do it as you describe or you could do it while still on the truck. Just go through the steps to disconnect the upper joint.

 

[RobRed]

I've been meaning to write this one up.... more time more time... at any rate as MXN describes you can do it while it's on the truck.

It's a 24mm nut. I use a KD tools 2289 pitman arm puller to disco the joint from the hub.

 

[larss]

Don't even need to remove the shock, all you need to do is take off the upper join pin and whack the knuckle with a hammer, it should pop off the ball joint. Look up some threads on CV Joint replacement, this is the first step towards doing that.

Also, you can buy third party boots online, I rebooted mine and didn't press the balls out of the joint.

 

[re_guderian]

Thanks all. Boot kits in hand, under $8 from Camelback Toyota. Shocks already off for replacement, and DS wheel bearing need snugging up...

 

[re_guderian]

One side done. Knuckle popped off ball joint with a few whacks of the BFH. Used RobRed's ratchet strap technique to get the UCA back down. The other side wouldn't budge with the BFH I'll have to get a puller tomorrow... I could detect no play in the one ball joint. Pleasantly surprised 206K miles....