I want to purchase a ball joint separator

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454cid

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I would like to purchase a ball joint separator. I've never used one, and am not sure what to buy. My first use will be on the 69 Electra, as I want to disassemble the front suspension for later use on my 69 LeSabre. I do not want to damage the ball joint boots, which seems to be what happens whenever I use a pickle fork.

What do you recommend?

What should I avoid?

Price isn't a huge deal, although I don't want to pay Snap On prices either.
 

HotWheelsBurban

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We used to use an OTC ball joint press, that was good American made stuff and worked well. That's the one with the big C clamp, and plates and cups that are different sizes to fit several vehicles. I haven't used it in several years because the last ball joints I replaced were the bolt in style, the uppers on the Burb. That tool got wet in a flood after that, and I haven't had a chance to really look it over. At the least, it probably needs a thorough cleaning and wire brushing.
 

454cid

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We used to use an OTC ball joint press, that was good American made stuff and worked well. That's the one with the big C clamp, and plates and cups that are different sizes to fit several vehicles. I haven't used it in several years because the last ball joints I replaced were the bolt in style, the uppers on the Burb. That tool got wet in a flood after that, and I haven't had a chance to really look it over. At the least, it probably needs a thorough cleaning and wire brushing.

The press I'm familiar with and have borrowed whatever brand autozone has. I'm talking about the separator for the tapered side for this project.
 

454cid

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I have my own tool loaner program - I just call my son, plus he delivers, and does the work, for a nominal fee - beer and dinner at the Tin Top :biggrin:

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That's a press, not the separator. I'm in need of splitting the ball joints from the spindle.
 

someotherguy

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That's a press, not the separator. I'm in need of splitting the ball joints from the spindle.
I don't use a specialized tool for this. I use the spring. Jack vehicle up, support frame with stands, support lower control arm with floor jack. Loosen the ball joint nut but leave the threads fully engaged at the top of the stud. Lower floor jack to where the pad stays about 2" under the lower control arm. Whack the spindle around the stud a few times with a small sledgehammer (short handle) and the combination of hammer and spring tension will pop the stud loose. This will work for both the upper and lower joints.

Richard
 

Komet

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I have this one, Moses' sandals the price has gone up:


Works good on everything it fits on. It was too small for some upper ball joints on a gmt800. That was the only time it has failed me, and it wasn't really a fault of the tool. Just needed a larger one.
 
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