720 Lower Ball Joints

[rudolfgreen]

My GF just got herself a 81 720 for cheep ($750), and have been getting the rig up to snuff. Took it for an alignment and needs lower joints badly. Searched but didnt turn up much and some help with a DIY rundown from you gurus out there would be greatly appreciated.

[fastdadd]

ball joints are pretty simple tp change...3 or 4 bolts on the bottom and a castle nut on top that is somewhat pressed in

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsShelf.jsp?displayName=Ball+Joint+-+Lower&currentPage=1&categoryDisplayName=Suspension+%26+Steering&navValue=14600206&itemId=prod61720&parentId=cat30059

[rudolfgreen]

Easy..awesome..thanks.:D

[datzenmike]

You will need to rent a 'pickle fork' or ball joint separator. It looks somewhat like a tuning fork as well and wedges on each side of the ball joint. You pound on the end and drive it in and it splits the joint from the knuckle. It tears up the rubber seal but doesn't matter if replacing anyway.

[PEZi720]

i thought you had to pull out the torsion bars on 720's to do ball joints...

 

other than that yeah its easy... course i guess i don't remember if you actually have to pull 'em out or not so it may be even easier than i thought

[datzenmike]

Don't touch the torsion bars.

[PEZi720]

mine are all in excellent condition anyway... recently replaced-ish

[rudolfgreen]

Solid info..was just coming back on to ask about the torsion bars.:D

[datzenmike]

You will have to support the lower control arm, as when it separates from the knuckle it will want to swing down with the force from the torsion bar. Be careful! Maybe loosen the ball joint nut so there's a few threads holding it, then separate it. The nut will keep the arm from moving too far, then you can support it and remove.

[420n620]

if you use a pickle fork, put the flat/level side towards the rubber boot with some grease between the fork and boot, you might just be able to save it. gl

[datzenmike]

I think he's replacing them. :mellow:

[rudolfgreen]

Right on to all the advice. definitely replacing, the free play was ridiculous. took the load off the torsion bars and might not retension them as much to lower the ride height a bit? still haven't been able to free up one side despite pounding the s**t out of the pickle fork.. any suggestions or just get a bigger hammer?

[yello620]

Screw the pickle fork. Three GOOD solid hits from a 3lb. sledge directly to the side of the spindle at the lower ball joint stud and it will pop loose without a problem.:D

 

The pickle fork will just piss you off and make you want to throw it. :fu:

[rudolfgreen]

Got'em in..with a bigger hammer. thanks for all the help buds.:D

[datzenmike]

I have a 4lb 'sledge' with a shortened handle about a foot long. Perfect for precision application of force.

Edited July 4, 2009 by datzenmike

[yello620]

I have a 4lb 'sledge' with a shortened handle about a foot long. Perfect for precission application of force.

 

Perfect until you hit your finger.:D I am fully aware what the 3 lb. sledge feels like.:fu: