3-in-1 Ball Joint/U-Joint/C-Frame Press Service Kit

Troysterr · **Posted:** Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:40 pm

I need to swap out my LBJs AND both rear u-joints in the next few weeks. Does anyone have this toolkit or one like it? Would you recommend it? Is it something that might be useful on the trail?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=38335

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:47 pm

I've never used a set like that but I will give you a piece of knowledge that is fairly universal to tools that a veteran mechanic taught me: The more universal a tool is-the worse it is at it's job. I can't speak for that tool but I think you get the point...

Edwin · **Posted:** Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:50 pm

OTC ball joint press. Ordered mine from O'Rielly auto parts store for about $105 plus tax. It's made in U.S.A. All the components are identical to the KD brand but, the OTC is about $100 cheaper.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:39 am

Edwin wrote:

OTC ball joint press. Ordered mine from O'Rielly auto parts store for about $105 plus tax. It's made in U.S.A. All the components are identical to the KD brand but, the OTC is about $100 cheaper.

Is this the one you're talking about?

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-7249.html

If it is, then it's extremely similar to the one at Harbor Freight. The case for the OTC press looks nicer, but I'm not buying it for the case.

Edwin · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:47 am

That's it. Same model #, but that must be an old pic cause my case dont look like that. That's a dern goot price! :wink:

Troysterr · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:53 am

Hmm...the existence of this kit makes me wonder whether the $90 kit will work on the Libby...

http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/detail.php3?id=683

On the other hand, USAFCOP's tech article doesn't indicate that a special press is required....he just describes it as "Large c-clamp style press (with a sleeve/cylinder to guide the old joint out and new in straight and a plate large enough to disperse presure over the top of the ball joint) Can be rented/borrowed from many auto parts stores."

Then, later, he says that you could probably just use a standard large c-clamp, conduit, etc.

chemguy · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:01 am

Any tool you buy from Harbor freight has a lifetime of about 3 uses, then it is toast. My personal experience....

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 5:18 am

I got 4 uses out of a disc brake compressor I bought from harbor frieght. I then broke it on the 5th use. It cost $12. I now use a C-clamp I got at Ace Hardware for $2. It has lasted 9 months and 14 brake jobs. Chemguy is right about Harbor Freight. Tools are one of those things where you get what you pay for. I buy craftsman whenever I can. Yes Snap-on, Matco, and S/K are probably a better tool as I see professional mechanics make their living on them every day, but they cost double or even triple in some cases. Their warranty isn't as good as craftsman's either. Just my two cents...

Troysterr · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:49 am

Well, my experience with HF tools has been a little different, but I definitely agree that they aren't the highest quality.

In my case, though, I doubt that I'd use this thing more than 2 or 3 times. I'd just like to have it for this one LBJ replacement, and then have it around in case any other nearby LOST members need to use it, and maybe to have on the trail in case I lose a u-joint.

Sometimes a "disposable" tool makes more sense. Thanks for the feedback...I have a couple of weeks to make a decision.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:42 pm

I am picking up the HF cheapie today and might be using it this weekend to do my lowers. If I get around to using it I will report back how it worked out. BTW, the big OTC kit has all the adapters to fit the various Jeep/DC vehicles and is much more pricey because of it. I would bet the normal adapters in the cheaper OTC version will work though.

3-in-1 Ball Joint/U-Joint/C-Frame Press Service Kit

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