procedure and special tools needed for '76 D-44 ball Joints

reamer · Sep 21, 2010

Since the knuckles are going to be rotated, How do I get the ball joints removed/installed on the '76?
Are they pressed or screwed?
thanks
reamer

broncnaz · Sep 21, 2010

I'd really suggest getting a repair manual. It would answer most of your questions. The ball joints are pressed into the knuckle and held in with snap rings. As for tools you need a ball joint press, a spanner socket for the top adjuster, A torque wrench and you should have a pull guage to ensure the ball joints are not to tight after install.

needabronco · Sep 21, 2010

Or just take the knuckles off and take them to a machine shop. I was charge $10 per ball joint to R&R mine.

kyle · Sep 21, 2010

Go to Autozone and get the balljoint press from the tool loan. It's pretty straight forward if you have an impact.

Make sure to spray them with some penetrating oil.

With $90 an hour rates at machine shops it will be tough to get them done for less than $50-$75 (you'll probably be charged an hour).

Broncoman · Sep 21, 2010

This is a special tool you need to set the preload on the ball joints.
http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7080.aspx
You can make one out of an old 3/4 inch socket.

This is what you need remove and install the ball joints yourself.
http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7249.aspx
Advance Auto Parts carries this as a loaner tool. Put down a deposit and you get it back when you return it. The other guys may carry them also.

markperry · Sep 21, 2010

needabronco said:
Or just take the knuckles off and take them to a machine shop. I was charge $10 per ball joint to R&R mine.

X2 on this advice 25$ to do both front axles on mine.

reamer · Sep 21, 2010

don't you "take the knuckles off" by removing the ball joints?

Broncoman · Sep 21, 2010

reamer said:
don't you "take the knuckles off" by removing the ball joints?

You remove the cotter pin and then the nut on each ball joint. That will allow you to remove the knuckle and the ball joints as a unit. You then have to press the ball joints out of the knuckle.

broncnaz · Sep 21, 2010

I got my ball joint press from harbor freight for like $40 it also works very well on removing and installing ujoints. I've used it on quite a few other things as well its handy to have.

bluebronco69 · Sep 22, 2010

if i am removing the knuckles but want the ball joints to stay int he knuckle, what do i use to separate the ball joints form the axle tube?

they are tapered shafts right? so pickle fork?

fuzzy2133 · Sep 22, 2010

The tapered fit gets stuck pretty good sometimes, definitely try the pickle fork first. If that does not do it some times a second person with a pry bar applying pressure helps. One word of caution keep at least one of the ball joint nuts loose on a ball joint so the knuckle does not crash down to the ground uncontrolled.

turbotim2 · Sep 23, 2010

If you are using a pickle fork and intend on keeping the ball joints, be careful not to destroy the boots. I have found that pounding on the side of the axle adjacent to where the ball joint shaft is mounted will pop them free with no damage to the ball joint or boot.

procedure and special tools needed for '76 D-44 ball Joints

reamer

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broncnaz

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needabronco

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kyle

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Broncoman

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markperry

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reamer

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Broncoman

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broncnaz

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bluebronco69

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fuzzy2133

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turbotim2

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