Good front end kit

[Tempest]

I'm looking for a good front end kit for ball joints, etc.

Currently looking at this:
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6295-Front-End...=I1IM3LWAKWCKHA

I already have a ball joint press but this type of kit looks useful.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[thr_wedge]

I've used similar. Though I just did the "free" rental at advance auto. The different adapters are all very useful. Redid front end on my ZJ.

 

[Trav]

I have this set and its pretty good. I would buy it again if i needed one.

 

[notech47]

Moog brand is generally highly recommended, if available for your application.

 

[The_Jeff]

^ I think he wants tools, not parts.

I might be hard on my ball joint pullers, or the rust here is something else, or I'm not using a torch when I should be. But the tools rarely do it alone. You also need a monster hammer to rattle things then, hopefully, get another twist to tighten up the jack bolt. Anyway, something easily returned and lifetime warranty would be things to look for.

 

[Trav]

OTC is great. I loaned my ball joint tool to a friend and he buggered the threads with a hammer.
I called OTC they replaced the whole tool not just the screw. They didn't ask for a receipt or even wanted the old one back. It took them 2 days to get it out to me. First class service.

 

[Tempest]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
^ I think he wants tools, not parts.

I might be hard on my ball joint pullers, or the rust here is something else, or I'm not using a torch when I should be. But the tools rarely do it alone. You also need a monster hammer to rattle things then, hopefully, get another twist to tighten up the jack bolt. Anyway, something easily returned and lifetime warranty would be things to look for.


Yes, tools.

One of the few advantages to living in a desert is that corrosion isn't much of an issue. Other than typical road grime and dirt, the under carriages of the cars I service don't look all that much different from when they were new.

 

[SZR48207]

The link you posted has about half of what you need. Throw in a c frame press and a heavy dead blow hammer and some adapter cups for the press if you want to finish the job without having to go back to the store.

I redid the ball joints and tie rods on my f150 this summer and don't plan on doing suspension work ever again.

Theres a sinking feeling you get when you realize the ball joint press you rented does not have the right size cup and you will have to go buy a full kit to conplete the job.

Also those screw type pullers can be tricky. Make sure you have a good hold on the part before screwing or you can actually spread apart the ears.

 

[Trav]

4X4?

 

[Tempest]

Originally Posted By: Trav
4X4?

Not right now but maybe in the future.

 

[JHZR2]

I have that kit, even reviewed it on amazon. It's a good set. Rebuilt the front end of my mb with it.

 

[default]

I like my OTC bubble flare kit. For separating ball joints and tie rod ends, I only have one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html and haven't found a situation where it wont fit. Grease the threads, forks, pivot and contact points on the rocker, slide it on, get the bolt tight, hit the knuckle with a hammer and it pops apart every time.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: default
I like my OTC bubble flare kit. For separating ball joints and tie rod ends, I only have one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html and haven't found a situation where it wont fit. Grease the threads, forks, pivot and contact points on the rocker, slide it on, get the bolt tight, hit the knuckle with a hammer and it pops apart every time.


Though some will get all upset over me saying this, that HF thing is garbage.

Mb has an or tool almost identical to it, and then one of the other common design (both in the OTC set), so I went to HF before I bought my set just to check it out and determine if these tools really were important and needed beyond my US made pickle fork.

Opened the box and found this:

Sometimes it takes a good amount of force to remove one of these joints, and I'd not want the puller to fail or pop in my face. My eyes and safety are worth more than saving a few bucks (and the individual OTC tool can be bought in amazon by itself if you don't want a set).

Garbage metallurgy. Beware. Even if you're only going to use it once or twice before you die.

 

[artificialist]

Does the frontend you work on need pressed in ball joints?

If it does, the Snap-On BJP1 is the best.

However, if you don't need to press in ball joints, then it isn't worth spending so much money on.

 

[default]

Its a chance you take with chinesium tools, like the ones the OP is contemplating.

 

[JHZR2]

Yeah it is important to note that the OTC set is Chinese. When I bought mine, the reports even from OTC was that the tools were us but the case was Chinese. It looks like the set is fully Chinese though.

 

[Trav]

I'm not sure. I posted pics of the ball joint press and the package had Made in China but in the tools themselves had Made in USA.
This set was Made in Taiwan. Seems like good steel though, it holds up well even with a lot of use.