Removing and Installing a Ball Joint on a 1979 F150 4x4
Once you have followed the steps that I have outlined in a previous post, and removed all the parts to get to the ball joint, you are ready to use the ball joint tool. Patience is important here because it has to be lined up correctly. Everything has to be keep straight, especially when installing the new parts back in.
As with anything, when it comes to working on older vehicles some things may be old and rusted. If needed, spray with wd-40 or PB Blaster and use a breaker bar. Be careful not to snap any parts off. If you do, it is possible to replace or fix the broken unit, but it will cost you more time and money.
Assemble the ball joint press over the vehicles control arm. The long threaded shaft of the press should be facing upward. Be sure to choose the correct size of receiving tube and jackscrew.
This is how to use a ball joint tool.
Place the removal adapter between the receiving tube and the jackscrew.
Place the installation adapter between the top of the ball joint and the ball joint press. The deep cup of the ball joint press should go over the top of the ball joint.
Tighten the jackscrew until the receiving tube contacts the vehicles control arm. You should use a ratchet and a socket to turn the threaded shaft.
Check the alignment of all the ball joint kit parts and continue tightening the jackscrew until the ball is removed. It should pop out of the control arm.
Once the ball joint is removed you are ready to begin installation.
Clean the control arm and coat the inside diameter of it with a light lubricant
Insert the replacement ball joint, as straight as possible, into the control arm.
Assemble the ball joint press over the control arm and select the correct size of receiving tube. Position it on top of the control arm.
Place the installation adapter between the receiving tube and the ball joint press. Place the removal adapter between the ball joint and the jackscrew.
Check the alignment of all the ball joint kit parts. Tighten the jackscrew until the ball joint is firmly sealed. After every few turns, check to ensure the joints are going in straight.
It is highly recommended that if one ball joint is replaced that the other side be done as well. Top and bottom should be replaced together, and both passenger and drivers side should be done at the same time. In order to complete the next ball joint simply repeat the process until all of them are done. Follow the steps on how to use a ball joint tool. As I mentioned in my previous posts, this is an outline to replace the ball joints in a 1979 F150 4x4. By using these basic steps here you can modify them and use these steps for any other type of older vehicle.
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