Rear upper ball joint

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
I need to replace my replace my rear upper ball joint.
This looks like a tough job but I’ve never had stick bolts on my truck before

I’m looking for tips and tricks before I dig in
 

Frobisher

Well-known member
Dec 27, 2012
200
68
Pennsylvania
I need to replace my replace my rear upper ball joint.
This looks like a tough job but I’ve never had stick bolts on my truck before

I’m looking for tips and tricks before I dig in
When I did mine, it wasn't nearly as difficult as it appeared. Yes, it's awkward, but Will is totally right to say buy the entire unit. Honestly, it's not worth it to try replacing the ball joint in the link; pitch the whole thing and start new.

The most important thing I remember (besides the above point), is to get the frame jacked up enough so the axle and A frame can hang down with enough space to get your wrench on the castle nut. Careful with the brake lines, and go to town.

You may want to replace the bushings on the arms while you're at it. They could probably use a bit of a refresh as well.
 

best4x4

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2015
595
72
Beaumont, TX
There is a 45 degree flex unit as well which has a zerk fitting on it vs being sealed. I think I paid 109.00 for the entire assembly.
 

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
I have the ball joint with bracket on its way, but last night I thought I would try seeing how stuck the bolts were

The nuts for the bracket came off no problem, but I could not get the balls to budge with my 36 inch breaker bar
 

boxster

Well-known member
Jun 1, 2009
443
88
Fallbrook Ca.
I have the ball joint with bracket on its way, but last night I thought I would try seeing how stuck the bolts were

The nuts for the bracket came off no problem, but I could not get the balls to budge with my 36 inch breaker bar
Put some heat on it (torch) should help to break loose.
 

best4x4

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2015
595
72
Beaumont, TX
My XD had the original upper ball joint on it and it was completely trashed. the Big nut came off easy after I removed the cotter pin, and the 2 nuts came off the other part but the bolts themselves were fused to the entire assembly. No Amount of heat or banging on it with a sledge even moved it 1mm. Took me 2 days, but I finally just used a sawzall and cut the darn thing off and after that I used the sledge to finally push the remainders of the bolts out. Slapped in some new bolts with anti-seize all over them and hopefully I won't have to touch it for another 25 years.
 

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
Wasn’t sure if the bolt would be seized inside the bushing similar to what’s going on with the ball joint side. Because that isn’t fun.
Dear god. They would be terrible

I used an insane amount of anti seize on those

Napa changed out my ball joints for $20