Are special tools needed to replace ball joints?

[timinator]

I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints on my 68 Charger. Do I need any special tools or sockets (other than a pickle fork) to do this? Also, does the lower control arm need to remain loaded to do this? (I'm guessing it will snap down from the torsion bar if not supported during disassembly)
Thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

I use the torsion bar pressure to help separate the ball joints but it doesn`t hurt to unload the T bars
the lower ball joints can be easily unbolted , the uppers need a special socket to unthread them from upper control arms

[palindromes]

I remember years ago paying a shop like 5-bucks to unscrew the balljoints on my 71 demon (when I took the upper arms in).  You might call around before buying the socket(or check with any buddies that might have one). 

I ended up buying the socket for my '68 charger recently since all the places I called wanted like $25 per balljoint(to remove & re-install)!  You can get the socket for about 30-bucks.  If they're the original bjoints, be prepared for a little work getting them to break loose.

[Ghoste]

If you decide to leave the t-bars loaded for diasassembly, be forewarned that they will come apart with tremendous force and speed so do NOT have any part of your body under that lower control arm if it is just hanging there.
I learned this the hard way.

[chargerguy111]

Wher can I get this special ball joint tool?Thanks.

[John_Kunkel]

Many auto supplies like Autozone have front end tools to loan.

[squeakfinder]

Air tools really help. I've got a  pickle fork attachment for my air chisel. I think I got them from Eastwood.

[craigandlynda]

maybe consider buying new upper arm w joint + bushings already installed...maybe even look for new lowers....if not affordable, soak area thoroughly once or twice a day before with some "PB BLASTER" stuff...the threads you will be fighting can be quite formidable opponents....

[terrible one]

I got the socket from www.sjdiscounttools.com. If I remember, it was like $27 or so . . . I think I ended up with say $33-35 after shipping. Definitely a shame to shell out all of that money for me to spend 3 minutes with it and then put it on the shelf.

[RD]

a local matco/snapon dealer should have one in stock, if not they can get them the next day.

[gtx6970]

DO NOT seperate the lower ball joint with the suspension loaded. Put a stand under the lower control arm and simply unbolt the ball joint from the knuckle.

Uppers are screwed in and  as mentioned require a special 4 point socket. Make friends with a local dealership mechanic and see if he'll loan you one. I believe it's the same socket as used on later Dakotas and Durangos

CK with Autozone, they probably have one on they're loaner program

If you near Northen Ky, I'll loan you mine

[chargerguy111]

Thanks anyway, gtx6970,but Im in NC.

[Charger_Fan]

Here's the size of socket you need...

[dkn1997]

Here's the size of socket you need...

I ghetto'd one once with a pair of large channel locks. It was a fairly new UBJ that had failed prematurely, so it wasn't caked with years of crud, but it was pretty easy

[daves68]

I am left wondering why this is is always so confusing. I just changed the uppers on my 68 Charger- used a pipe wrench and a little cheater bar. Soaked 'em with WD40 for about a week, then just screwed them out.  Wire brush the holes before screwing in the new ones. A little grease helps.  OH yeah - wear gloves. 

[squeakfinder]

I am left wondering why this is is always so confusing. I just changed the uppers on my 68 Charger- used a pipe wrench and a little cheater bar. Soaked 'em with WD40 for about a week, then just screwed them out.  Wire brush the holes before screwing in the new ones. A little grease helps.  OH yeah - wear gloves. 

When I looked at an upper ball joint for the first time, I had to ask myself is it screwed in, or pressed in? So that mite be where some of the confusion starts. The first one I pulled out was with a large Crescent wrench, but since then I've used a socket with an impact wrench. It just works better because of the confined space, plus I haven't come across one yet that was easy to get out.

[gtx6970]

Thanks anyway, gtx6970,but Im in NC.

If you can't find one . I will loan you mine as long as you promise to send it back when your done

[The70RT]

Soak them down with a penetrate then get the correct socket and impact them out