I use one harbor freight tool--their suspension tool that looks like a
giant c-clamp with a bunch of adapters, their cheaper front end tool a
$70--to press bushings in and out. For the ball joints, I have that done at
a shop with press and proper mandrels. Unless you are in the Vanagon
business it will not pay to buy and modify a tool just to do the
balljoints.  I use dish soap soap as a lubricant. I think that anything
else will remain in its lubricating form forever, and you probably don't
want that in a suspension system.

Jim

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 7:54 PM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <
kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:

> http://m.harborfreight.com/master-ball-joint-adapter-set-14pc-60307.html
> On Mar 11, 2015 8:27 PM, "Stuart MacMillan" <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Ken, both the HF links are the same. What's the second tool?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> > Of kenneth wilford (Van-Again)
> > Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 3:34 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Pressing Lower Ball Joints & Control Arm Bushings
> >
> > I use two Harbor Freight tools for the lower ball joint.
> >
> >
> http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-60827.html
> >
> >
> http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-60827.html
> >
> > For the lower control arm bushings, I use the press from the first kit
> and
> > an adapter that I make out of a no hub pipe fitting that you can buy at
> > Home Depot for about $7  Just remove the rubber inside and use the outer
> > stainless as the adapter.  Tighten one of the clampsmore than the other
> so
> > that it is on a taper.  You want to compress the bushing and lube it a
> > little with some vasoline and you will be good to go:
> >
> >
> http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/plumbing/fittings/flexible-pipe-fittings/2-cast-iron-x-2-pvc-steel-xhci-proflex-coupling?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=CjwKEAjwz_-nBRC0zbDb_YOT1TgSJACW2VECWg8XaAL7Mou_RJhVg1_TJ-kNICs7tAzOuM2DPc3tUBoCPbDw_wcB
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Ken Wilford
> > John 3:16
> > www.vanagain.com
> >
> > On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 2:48 PM, Miguel Pacheco <mundopacheco@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > I'm rebuilding a front suspension for an 85 2wd Westy. I have it all
> > apart
> > > and por15 applied. I attempted pressing a lower ball joint, but the
> > adaptor
> > > pushed through the ball joint shoulders, ruining it. Can anyone
> > recommend a
> > > specific ball joint installation kit? Also, the ball joints I purchased
> > > (one of which is ruined,) are PEX (with VAG printed on label,) from Bus
> > > Depot. Are these adequate, or should I go with the Moog, as recommended
> > by
> > > T3 Technique? Also, tried pressing Lower Control Arm Bushing on one
> arm,
> > > and the bulging prevents the last 10% of the rubber bushing from going
> > in.
> > > Any tips?
> > > Is there a tool kit that is proven for this job? from Harbor Freight?
> > Snap
> > > On? or any vendor.......
> > > Gracias
> > >
> > >
> > > *Miguel*
> > >
> > > *The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it- basically
> > because
> > > you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them. *
> > > *- Charles Bukowski, Tales of Ordinary*
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Thanks,
> > Ken Wilford
> > John 3:16
> > www.vanagain.com
> >
> >
>