ARGH!!! This is a lot harder than I expected.

I'm trying to put the new balljoints in, but every time i get it lined up and start tightening it down, its starts to turn sideways. How can I get the balljoint to go in straight?

 

the easy way.
http://www.fl-thirdgen.org/balljointreplacement.html

or if you insist on using the press rear this thread.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=186317

 

as long as it's not too cockeyed.. it will begin to straighten up


even "the easy way" doesn't guarantee that it's going to go in staight and easy.... it could still easily work itself in a little cockeyed...

but it'll straighten out as long as you just stick with it

 

Just noticed this message... I assume the lower control arm is still on the car? If it's off the car, I can offer this help:

Put the balljoint into the control arm hole, and lay the control arm face-down, upside down. Assemble the balljoint press around the face-down control arm- jack screw in the air, fixed end of the big c-clamp on the ground. This will help you align the balljoint.

I kept trying to assemble the tool with the LCA standing on it's side... balljoint kept aiming itself at an angle.

What keeps the balljoint from pointing straight into the hole is the weight of the balljoint press. You'll need to assemble the press slowly around the balljoint.. giving the jack screw a twist here or there, and keeping one hand on the frame of the balljoint press to keep the press "weightless". Also, RBob gave me the tip of coating the inside of the balljoint hole (in the control arm) with anti-sieze.