How much harder to change lower ball joints with hand tools?

I've ordered my new OEM lower ball joints, but I dont have all my power tools in the town I live in, currently, since I'm just here for college.

How much harder is it to change the LBJs with just hand tools? The drive to my hometown is 3 hours and I'd like to avoid the drive until I've changed out the LBJs.

 

I personally don't think it's hard, but I also already have several hand tools that make the job markedly easier, notably a pitman arm puller, and a pickle fork. Pickle fork to (CAREFULLY) separate the tie rod end, and the pitman arm puller to help pop the LBJ out of the LCA.

If your truck has rust, YMMV. I would encourage you to unbolt the swaybar link before jacking up the truck and don't squash the bushings overtightening at reinstall, and DO NOT unbolt the 4 bolts holding the LBJ to the knuckle before attempting to separate the LBJ from the LCA.

 

If you have a breaker bar, you don't need power tools. Only one nut has any significant torque.

 

It's doable without the special tools, just a little bit harder. I just did it on both my rides. Breaker bar (or pipe) and a 3-4 lb mini sledge is all you should need besides the basic hand tools. Several good you tube videos to walk you through it.

Please tell me you're doing it in the dorm parking lot (like I used to do)? Brings me back to the good ol days of working on my 87 Hilux... Haha

 

Power tools?

I completely disassembled my 83 Toyota before I knew power tools where a thing home mechanics could have. But beyond the "uphill both ways" comment, I have an impact wrench but typically reserve it for bigger bolts. I've done ball joints I think 4 times between my Tacoma and Tundra and always used hand tools.

I have a pipe I can slide onto the end of my socket wrench for a breaker bar, but also bought a really long (breaker bar) socket wrench about a year ago. They do the job.

 

I did mine with hand tools. Breaker bar, 1/2 ratchet and socket set, pickle fork, penetrating oil and a whole lot of swear words.

 

Yeah, if you are not near your hometown, but near an Autozone type place (assuming you must be if at college), you can rent the pickle fork and separator for free. They absolutely make life easier. You just need to leave a deposit and they refund it when you return the item.

 

As others have said, not too bad with hand tools. A set of pullers will make it much easier. The upper ball joints are another story.

 

Most of you probably know this, but be careful putting too much leverage on a ratcheting socket wrench, they aren't invincible. Axe me how I know....

 

I just did mine, get some decent front suspension tools, and you won't need power tools. I primarily used my 1/2" impact wrench for removing the nuts and taking the wheels off and back on. If you've got a good 1/2" breaker bar you should be fine. Though if you can see any rust on the parts, might as well spray some PB Blaster or similar on everything in advance to make your life easier.

 

The wife and I did ours with hand tools last November.*

*I did it, wife handed me things. LOL

On my back, in the yard, truck up on 6x6 wood blocks.

I bought an OTC "front end service kit" from Zoro.com. I tried to use the pullers in the linked video (video is in my thread I've linked below, Post #8 in that thread) but one damaged the outer tie rod threads on the driver's side. I then tried another puller which worked much better and didn't harm anything. It was a moot point as we ended up putting new outer tie rods on both sides anyway.

Tools used:

1/2" drive socket set
1/2" drive 15-inch long breaker bar
3 foot long pipe (cheater bar)
Two 3 ton floor jacks
Lots of 6x6 and 4x4 wood blocks
Wire brush
Craftsman torque wrench
Blue locktite

Help from this site.

Main problem was the lack of a lift. It was tedious lying on my back to do the work. A power tool, something that would fit under there, would have been nice.

My thread on the job.

Something a local mechanic said...."pressing out the ball joints." | Toyota Tundra Forum

I keep saying "I wouldn't do it again" but I would I guess. Power tool I'd like to have is something like $300.00 and money is tight for us. If we live close I'd be willing to visit and help you. *Oops....read your profile. Oklahoma is 1,000 miles one-way from us. How much beer are you willing to provide? LOL

 

OTC Front End Kit is the winner for me. Pickle forks works great for some people. I don't like them.

And yeah, that's the reason I bought the 15" long 1/2" socket wrench not too long ago. I've killed a couple using breaker bars.

Edit: oh wait, are you talking ratcheting crescent wrench? Because every socket wrench I've ever seen is, by default, ratcheting. I absolutely agree that ratcheting crescent wrenches aren't meant for high torque bolts.

 

I just did the LBJs on mine this week. Breaker bar, basic socket set, and this puller loaned free from the auto parts store. Much easier job than I was expecting!

 

That's what I used to pop mine off as well.

 

This works on both ball joints and the tie rod end.

 

I used a 15” flex head 3/8” drive ratchet to undo the 37 lb-ft bolts on mine so not that hard especially if you’re not the type to use loctite. If you don’t know, heat the bolt with a propane torch for a minute if you’re having trouble. Front end service kit #10 borrowed from Advanced Auto for the two pitman arm pullers to get off the outer tie rod and LBJ. I can’t recall if I borrowed a breaker bar or not and just used my 1/2” drive 2 ft torque wrench to do the LBJ castle nut.

 

Uh oh, I may need to hear this other story. I did my LBJs last year with hand tools, too. But I still have a clunk so may need to do one of the uppers. Not a hand tool job?