Can I do my ball joints without a press?

[2ndgenproject]

Hey all. 98 ram 1500 4x4 here. I am currently very broke. But also in desperate need for some new ball joints and wheel bearings.

So I got the extra money together to buy 2 new wheel hub assemblies and upper/Lower ball joints. But I'm too broke to rent the press at the moment. I probably won't have the money for 3-4 weeks. And I feel like my ball joints just keep getting worse. Can I attempt to replace them without a press? I've got a 3lb mini sledge, and I've got a C clamp if that would help?

I'm thinking if I were to do this I would soak the ball joints in penetrating oil for a day or two before tackling it.

 

[Bob Macknight]

most auto parts stores will have a tool lender where you give a deposit that is refunded at return of tool

 

[Treburkulosis]

most auto parts stores will have a tool lender where you give a deposit that is refunded at return of tool

This, you just pay like 30-40 bucks and then its refunded when you turn it in.

 

[Dan98]

You pay the new price just incase you dont return it they give it back when u do. And you dont need a press fo a 98 1500 at least I didn't

Sent from my SM-J260A using Tapatalk

 

[MAC830203]

The guys got it right. Tool loner from parts store. It’s not getting them out. It’s getting them in and lasting. Good luck.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Make sure after pressing them in, you torque the ball joints and tie rod ends to proper torque specs.

 

[BWL]

I did it once without the tool. Took days instead of hours as well as heat and a lot of curse words, but that was a 3500. The 1500s are probably easier, but don't quote me on that. I've never even heard of a tool lending program here in Canada, but if it's available I'd look into it before you get stuck with a truck half disassembled without a ride to work. I know from past experience if I was in your situation I'd attempt it without if need be out of necessity. Remember you will need an alignment after as well.

 

[W5RCD]

I just did the ball joints on mine yesterday. I purchased a kit off Ebay for less than $45. It worked really well and was well made. I know I could have rented it at the local store, but I wanted a set fo my own that I wouldn;t have to worry about getting back to the store quickly. Did both the uppers in less than two hrs. I sknow this thread started a while ago, but just wanted to through in what I did on my 1991 3500.

 

[67440dodge]

I did it once without the tool. Took days instead of hours as well as heat and a lot of curse words, but that was a 3500. The 1500s are probably easier, but don't quote me on that. I've never even heard of a tool lending program here in Canada, but if it's available I'd look into it before you get stuck with a truck half disassembled without a ride to work. I know from past experience if I was in your situation I'd attempt it without if need be out of necessity. Remember you will need an alignment after as well.

Canadian Tire does it, and prob the other chain stores may as well

tool loan