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Ball joint at start, ended up upgrade front suspension.

armenjs

armenjs

Full Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2018
Messages
45
Location
Glendale, CA
I need to replace 2004 1500 2wd upper and lower BJ. Before starting the job is there a way to tell if the BJ are replaceable, if not I need to order control arm units.
or is there vin id I need to look up that tells me information.

here are some pic also any advice I appreciate.
Thanks.

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Seeing that you are there and replacing the BJ, I would replace the bushings also, same time and wear, there for replacing the whole arm is easier.
 
You can replace just the ball joints, but they make a complete kit that includes control arms, ball joints, bushings, etc for around $400 for both sides.
Check RockAuto for your year. :cheers:
 
The ball joints are replaceable separately and can be pressed out. A high torque impact reduces work time and frustration by quite a bit.
 
Yea sure they can, and in a year or so the bushing, then you have to have the tools, it's easy for us that have the tools to tell someone how to do it, I have found that the older I get the less time I want to spend tearing things apart just to do it again in a year or so because they weren't bad at the time, as our trucks age do it once when your doing it and get another 200,000 out of it. R.
 
Thank you everyone☺
So apparently the ball joints are removable with C clamp. The way it looks they were pressed from top so I need to push out from bottom, I don't even know if there is snap ring on these old ones! I agree, I most likely change the upper CA that comes with BJ installed then move to lower CA and change the BJ.
I don't think I can manage changing the lower CA with torsion bar system. I heard too many horror stories, I would leave that alone and later pay gladly for labor. man suspension work IMO is the hardest thing!

I would post more pic later, provider is down at the moment.
any move advise is appreciated.
 
armenjs said:
Thank you everyone☺
So apparently the ball joints are removable with C clamp. The way it looks they were pressed from top so I need to push out from bottom, I don't even know if there is snap ring on these old ones! I agree, I most likely change the upper CA that comes with BJ installed then move to lower CA and change the BJ.
I don't think I can manage changing the lower CA with torsion bar system. I heard too many horror stories, I would leave that alone and later pay gladly for labor. man suspension work IMO is the hardest thing!

I would post more pic later, provider is down at the moment.
any move advise is appreciated.
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Understand, I feared doing that too to put the 1500 keys in mine to raise it, but there was nothing to it with the c clamp made for the key to hold it, after that it was a job like all others, the fun was getting it level after wards. Get new keeper and bolt also if your attempting it.
 
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Looking at your pics a little closer. It appears that those control arms (at least the lower ones) have been replaced already, because it’s stamped SMV. Make sure you get the correct ball joint to fit that arm.
 
Navigatin1 said:
Looking at your pics a little closer. It appears that those control arms (at least the lower ones) have been replaced already, because it’s stamped SMV. Make sure you get the correct ball joint to fit that arm.
Click to expand...
Thank you, No, all CA and BJ are original never replaced. I only changed the sway bar links. That was my main concern if I can get them out. I Know some GM trucks were non serviceable.

Both BJ's are removed by pushing from bottom to top of CA right?
The pic for bottom ball joint
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Also Astro 7897 just arrived, I hope this helps.

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Watch a few videos on YouTube for ball joint replacement using the kit you purchased. It will give you some good visuals on the whole removal and install process. :cheers:
 
Thank you all for making comments and helping out.
I had to take for wheel alignment twice but it is finally done, and feels like new Truck.
I had an issue with Moog upper CA. I had to return it because it was bit wider. I ordered MEVOTECH CMS20268.
Note: the inner tie rod is very tough to brake, I used 18 crescent wrench with mallet.
No issues with BJ or idler arm and bracket.

Did check the pitman arm and seemed fine no issues. Maybe one day, but I am happy!
I had to loosen the the torsion bar bolt, but seemed odd they weren't same height so I spry painted them for reference.
here are some pics of the job.
Thanks!
Armen

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love it when a post contains awesome pic
 
Navigatin1 said:
Good job! How long did it take you?
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Thanks, well, It's not one day job! It took me extra two days for parts on CA to arrive. I would say good 12 hours with all the cleanups for L/R. If you planning on this don't get Moog CA. I had hell of time explaining to RA about what's wrong, since there is no one to talk to with.
 
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Where are your bump stops?

Important on Avy with torsion bars since the are always in contact with lower control arm.
 
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