Here's the HF tool I use on suspension bushings in and out

http://www.harborfreight.com/Ball-Joint-Service-Kit-for-2WD-and-4WD-Vehicles-60827.html

Jim

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 9:34 PM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>