4WD Balljoint Removal/Replacement

[sockjock]

I took my '95 Blazer to get it aligned today and the shop owner told me he couldn't align it until I replaced the passenger side lower ball joint. I've replaced balljoints on my older 2WD cars but never a 4WD. The Haynes book says I need to remove the drive axles to do this. My question is do I really need to remove the drive axles? Anyone got recommendations and pointers in this area? Also can anyone recommend more reliable/longer lasting ball joints for my Blazer? I'm going to go ahead and replace all the balljoints while I'm at it to save future problems in this area.

[Scrapin4]

I just got done doing this on my S10 4x4. The lower ones are a pain, I jacked the truck up, I removed the caliper, took the hub out. U should remove the tie rod as it gives you more room to work with but I did not. Once u remove all of this take off the 4 bolts that hold the joint in there remove the castle nut and cotter pin. Once this is removed its helpful to have another jack but a stand will do. Sticck the jack stand or 2nd jack under the control arm, SLOWLY lower the first jack so the control arm starts to go up so you can get access to the joint, it will pop the joint up, pull the knuckle towards you and you should be able to access the LBJ. Once u have acces get a hammer and slam the S#&@ out of it from the bottom up it will come out.
Then pop the new one in and put everything back together. Its not as bad as it sounds as long as u have the right tools.

[sockjock]

YEAH...I've got a pickle fork(tool for removing balljoint) a tierod puller, jackstands, shop jacks and assorted hand tools which will make the job easier but I was wondering if you have to pull the drive axles to do the job?

[Scrapin4]

No, just take the hub off of the drive axle.

[sockjock]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrapin4

No, just take the hub off of the drive axle.

Thanx alot! That's what I was hoping. Probably get into it Sat. if it's not too cold outside.