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Well guys I have two sets of superduty balljoints, etc. to do. First thing I am looking for is a part number for the seal installer kit to put the vacuum seals in. Second thing is I am wondering what your preferences are on ball joint presses and adapters, what works and what doesnt, brands that sort of thing. Thanks for the insights. I have always just sent these jobs to the alignment shop because it needs an alignment and what not anyway but my new boss insists we can do it ourselves than take it in for the alignment. Thanks guys

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I used to hate doing ball joints years ago, until a tech I used to work with was saying how you can make good money doing ball joints.

  I would not buy an off brand ball joint press, I do however have a set of cheap adapters that I have been using for 10 years, and have had no problems with them. I would invest in a 2 lb. brass hammer if you don't have one. I use it for installing the vacuum seals so I don't mar up my installer & hitting on the end of press screw.

 Are these '05 and newer trucks or older stuff...? The seals and tool are totally different.

I often get most of my seals and parts from Spicer, I also started stocking Spicer ball joint kits, as I have started to move away from the Moog greasable joints, not because I had problems.(Sometimes I just get tried of greasing shit)

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There are 3 different seal installers. 99-04, 05+ f-250/f-350 then the 05+ 450/550 use a deeper version that fits over the bigger axle.

 

At the shop here we have an OTC master kit. It has enough different adapters to quickly do a set of super duty balljoints. The only thing it doesn't easily fit was the bigger 08+ 450/550 balljoints. They're still doable it just requires some thought

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OTC 7249 is my press set and harbor freight 60307 set is what I have, as well as a few pieces of pipe and 1/4" steel plate for the odd setup. My seal driver is a piece of 5/8" plate modified to work with a stemco wear sleeve driver, it works and cost me nothing to make and add to the collection so I can't complain. I drive out both ball joints with a large punch(1" diameter steel rod) and my 8lb hammer, press in the lower, and can usually drive the upper in with the adapter and the 8lb also. If all goes well, I'll knock out a set of ball joints with seals and u-joints in 2-3 hours.

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