'96 Blazer 4x4 Lower Ball Joint Replacement

[Blk02Xtreme]

Ok.. Finally got my new tires for the Blazer. Problem is that the shop could not align it because both lower ball joints are shot as well as the idler arms on both sides. I'm not really worried about the idler arms, I hear they are cake to replace.

I've done just about everthing you can do to a car mechanically from automatic transmission rebuilds to block dissassembly, but never done balljoints. I really hate doing suspension work. The shop told me the balljoints are pressed in, but the replacements I've seen for my model come with bolts - leading me to believe the stockers are riveted in. If they are rivited, I'll be a much happier camper

Anybody know the final word on this, and how much of a pain in the arse it's going to be? I suspect I'll have to pop the front axles off, and completely remove the lower control arm to get this done, a task I'm not looking forward to.

I did search for this answer, but all the posts I found seemed to be for 2WD vehicles. Sorry if it has been covered before.

Thanks much for any assistance If it's not too bad, I'll take digi pics and post a HowTo when I'm complete. Hopefully shorter than the one I wrote on 2G Heater Core replacement lol..

[Blk02Xtreme]

Hrm, maybe I should have posted this in Wheels, Tires, and Brakes.....

[Blk02Xtreme]

I think I've got this all sorted out after compiling information from a few forums..

Remove wheel, caliper, and rotor
Remove axle nut
Support control arm with jack
Unload torsion bars (When I say unload, I mean back the bolt out - not remove)
Back out castle nut about half way
Remove brake shield w/ ABS
Remove wheel bearing bolts
Remove wheel bearing
Pickle fork to seperate the knuckle from the control arm
Drill pilot in rivits with 1/8", then follow with a 1/4"
Chisle bolt heads off

Note: I understand that you must drill and chisle all of the rivit heads prior to punching out even 1 of them.

Punch rivits out
Re-install new bolt-type Balljoints
Re-assemble

Anybody have anything to add?

Think that's it. Was going to do it today but it's raining. Just spend $500 on tires for this damn thing, not gonna drive it untill this is all done.

[moon509]

hey man, the stockers are pressed in! I had mine done by a friend, he ha to use a press to push them out and then bolt the new ones in. Hate to break it to you, I now it sux

[Blk02Xtreme]

Must only be on newer ones that they are pressed, mine has the same setup as the rivited type. I've gotten extremely lucky though, as the previous owner has all ready replaced them so the ones in there now are only bolted in Happy friken day this has been

Got the idler arm done tonight, unbelievable difference. I didn't even realize I had steering play until I replaced it, everything is much firmer now and no more jolts from small bumps. Gonna take care of the balljoints first thing in the morning, shouldnt take long at all.

[Blk02Xtreme]

Actually, I see you must have a 2WD - that's why you had to press your lower balljont off. 4x4s use the rivited type on uppe and lower, not just upper as the 2WD does.

[moon509]

yea, my 95 was a 2wd