Pretty bummed- running into problems with suspension work

[TommyJ1980]

Hi folks, this is my first time posting, and I’m elbows deep in some work I thought somebody might be able to opine on, and help me out. I have a 1998 k2500 5.7L and I’m trying to replace upper and lower ball joints. At this pint I’ve pounded on the lower ball joint about a million times, the removal kit I got is pretty much toast, got bent up after using an impact wrench on it. At this point, I can see what looks like a crack in the lower control arm, and it looks like I’ve chipped part of the top where the ball joint sits. I guess my main question is, is it that much further of a step to just replace the lower control arm and put the ball joint I bought into a new one? See pics below, any thoughts are much appreciated.

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[GoToGuy]

Pressed in ball joints where? Riveted ball joints where?

 

[packer0440]

New LCA for 4x4s are basically nonexistent, you’ll have to find used

 

[TommyJ1980]

New LCA for 4x4s are basically nonexistent, you’ll have to find used

Yeah, I'm finding that out, nobody in town had them. Any idea where to start looking?

 

[TommyJ1980]

Pressed in ball joints where? Riveted ball joints where?

Driver side upper and lower control arms

 

[Caman96]

That does look like toast! Seems there are new LCA’s available. See pictures at end of this thread.

88-98 4x4 lower control arm compatibility

Astro/safari AWD LCA’s came last night they appear exactly the same except for some extra threaded holes on the bottom. I have them installed except torsion bars. That’s this mornings project. Alignment is Monday. I wii post more and some photos later

www.gmt400.com

 

[1952Chevy]

The upper ball joints are tough, I wouldn't have gotten mine out without an air hammer. I didn't have any issues pressing the lowers out though. As stated they are hard to come by, hopefully the link above helps.

 

[Caman96]

The upper ball joints are tough, I wouldn't have gotten mine out without an air hammer.

Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are available.

 

[TommyJ1980]

Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are avai

Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are available.

Are you talking about using the Astro ones or from somewhere else? Thanks for the info.

 

[TommyJ1980]

Thanks everybody, for your info, really appreciate it!!