Ball joint install tube/tool

[PhilCod]

I am replacing an upper ball joint and wandered if there was a tool that fit over the stem and sat firmly on the ball joint so I can press it in. The last time I used a 1.75" socket, and it worked, but not well. I was hoping to find some steel tubing with the right size ID. Or a tool. I looked on line and went to Harbor Freight and AutoZone, and tried matching up the tools they offered, but the 1.75" ones are just too big and I feel will slide over the ball joint or get cock eyed. I went to Napa as well. Please post if you have something that works. I have looked at all kinds of stuff online. But looking for input of someone who has done it, not found a link that might have a tool that works.

 

[Admin]

 

[SLOWPOKE693]

Order a piece of 1-3/4" DOM tube from an online metal supplier in whatever thickness you think will have the closest ID to what you are looking for.

 

[ToddACimer]

I specifically have a 2" long piece of scrap pipe for this job. It's now in my ball joint press kit for this purpose.

 

[PhilCod]

Order a piece of 1-3/4" DOM tube from an online metal supplier in whatever thickness you think will have the closest ID to what you are looking for.

What wall thickness? .120 - or .109?

 

[PhilCod]

I used a caliper and measured the ball joint where the install tool would go. Its 1.61". A tube with an ID of 1.65 should work.