How to Replace Lower Ball Joint 1988-02 GMC Sierra 1500

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Modern suspensions combine a number of moving parts for safe and stable handling. The ball joint is the crucial moving component that ties those parts together. The ball-in-socket joint can wear out and loosen over time. Or, the rubber protective boot can tear, allowing contaminants to seize the joint. Bad ball joints are a common failure point on vehicle inspections because they lead to unsafe driving conditions. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to replace with the right know-how. This video shows you how to install new, quality TRQ ball joints on your 1988-2002 GMC K1500.
• Check here for more videos on the 1988 to 2002 GMC K1500 Sierra: • GMC K1500 Sierra 1988-...
This repair was done on a 1995 GMC K1500 Sierra SLE 5.7L Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door 4WD and the process should be similar on the following vehicles:
1988 GMC K1500
1989 GMC K1500
1990 GMC K1500
1991 GMC K1500
1992 GMC K1500
1993 GMC K1500
1994 GMC K1500
1995 GMC K1500
1996 GMC K1500
1997 GMC K1500
1998 GMC K1500
1999 GMC K1500
Tools you will need:
• Pry Bar 1aau.to/okU/1AX...
• 22mm Socket 1aau.to/ocT/1AX...
• 36mm Socket 1aau.to/oT/1AAS...
• Pickle Fork
• 1/2 Inch Impact Gun 1aau.to/odG/1AX...
• 3/8 Inch Socket 1aau.to/oQ3/1AX...
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oQ3/1AX...
• Socket Driver
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oMf/1AX...
• Swivel
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/oys/1AX...
• Copper Anti-Seize
• Rust Penetrant
• Center Punch 1aau.to/ocJ/1AX...
• Floor Jack 1aau.to/on7/1AX...
• Hammer
• Jack Stands 1aau.to/omP/1AX...
• Wheel Chocks
Subscribe: / @trq
Check out our playlist:
GMC K1500 Sierra 1988-2002 4th Gen: • GMC K1500 Sierra 1988-...
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While TRQ strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. TRQ is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@TRQ]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Shop-TRQ-Parts √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@dabmaster4470]

Should of used a truck that had stock lower ball joints.

[@pilotdane1]

Respectfully agree. I'm trying to do mine - The part is destroyed - but it is riveted there.

[@dukree3391]

Exactly what I'm having issues with right now. These riveted ball joints suck!

[@knight5188]

I was afraid of that

[@TheUndertoe]

I drilled all mine out

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

Drill the rivets. Not rocket science.

[@lht5dy31]

I’m looking forward to doing my joints Thanks for these videos

[@Goonman77]

Excellent block of instruction my friend 🤙🏽

[@Wbroach24]

that upper A arm cleaned up good from earlier in the video lol.

[@rosiehomer1492]

Yeah you're the man that's how it's done thank you

[@FireEater]

Always the best information on auto repair.

[@Gabriel-ib8lt]

Great videos as always

[@lht5dy31]

In case anyone is wondering what wrench size he’s using. He doesn’t mention 27mm

[@ogstackadollor85]

Great video

[@benjaminconner9490]

Excellent video 🤙🏻

[@jamiewoods9222]

I've seen alot of videos on here that don't have the bolts in the ball joints. All have been like 98-2007. Did some come with bolts and some didnt?

[@Iloveyhwh_1974]

Man, I’d love to update all these suspension parts on my 97 GMC. It needs everything rubber. Little by little, I guess.

[@THatChevyguy91]

Advise. On the stock lower ball joints that are riveted in. Drill them out . They are a mf but drilling them out is the way .

[@u.s.a.198]

Thanks for the video!

[@TRQ]

+Private Johnson Thanks for the feedback! 1aau.to/m/Shop-TRQ

[@TheWolf-gg3sx]

What size was the wrench for the upper ball joint you did not mention that on the video

[@dannyyoung2718]

Well done!

[@thecosmickat3954]

why does it seem like the tie rod ends are upside down? mine and a lot of other people's trucks sit the other way opposite.

[@kevinbabcock5106]

The best way I know to fix this ...I apologize i accidentally hit the dislike button. It was not my intention. I like these videos they help me keep my tahoe and suburban running

[@jonathanmontano289]

I have almost everything to do a complete front end overhaul on my 97. I’m sure it’s got the same parts on it from 97.Lol

[@HH-cw1tl]

Is this the same application for a k1500

[@jacobmackenzie2343]

This is a k1500

[@dukree3391]

I wish you would have done this with a stock ball joint. Those rivets are no joke and I'm stuck right now

[@knight5188]

How did it turn out for you... I’m about to start this project one of these days

[@austinjames3525]

I just can’t get the factory rivets to come out. I broke the heads off the tops and tried drilling them and then tried using an air hammer also. They will not budge. I’m about to get out the torch and melt them out of there.

[@drywallerdave01]

@@knight5188 Its not hard, just grab a coal chisel and shear them off, its pretty a simple way

[@Justshanedavis]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2qahYmJpauEbtU

[@huntersmith4681]

I just ordered the whole front end kit from trq and I just wish they were Grease able

[@joanavila5222]

What would you rate them I bought a set

[@derrickdavis3965]

My 95 had press in bottom ball joint

[@nunyabusiness6746]

2 wheel drive, this is a 4+4.

[@rayanneburgess172]

My 96 GMC Sierra 2 door extended cab short-bed K1500 has factory press-in lower ball joints and the upper ball joints were riveted until I installed new upper control arms with the bolt in option. This next statement is intended for the ones who are confused or can't comprehend by looking at their truck. (If there's a K before 1500 it means the truck is 4X4 if there's a C before 1500 that means the truck is 2 wheel drive.) If you can't understand that, then I would highly recommend that you take your truck to the shop and let the professionals service your ball joints.

[@SpoonsPerformance]

You got lucky 🍀 bolted on

[@reytech1786]

Like seriously bro! Where are you guys located, and why all your cars are completely covered in rust like in a horrible way.

[@DeltaH-9]

They use crappy cars to do demonstrations on. They're not customers cars.

[@stangelandsolution]

Franklin bbq brisket

[@1gglywggly580]

too bad mine has transatlantic ship rivets

[@dattexasboi_3697]

Why is there no bolts in top ball joints

[@jamesfarmer2748]

They are pressed into the control arm and are easier replaced by changing out the control arm for nearly the same price and you get new bushings also. Some lowers on chevy's are pressed in also.

[@michaelmartinez4515]

German torque specs on the upper ball joint, "guten tight" lol

[@dylanwallace5571]

Well this may take some time

[@tstony59]

Not very reassuring when icon shows an UPPER ball joint when title says LOWER ball joint

[@chazgeisler6213]

It was a lower ball joint that was done in the video.

[@dattexasboi_3697]

The thumbnail is lower ball joint

[@righteous1229]

I still have the factory studs in them I grinder the heads off and tried to tap them out with a hammer and punch and with a air chisel but they won’t budge? Any suggestions anyone??? Thanks

[@dukree3391]

Did you figure it out? This is exactly what I'm having issues with right now

[@juanperez-ob6cn]

You have to use the press.

[@phouston6802]

I got it, it took a lot of swinging after a lot of soaking. Drill heads deep through.. Cold chisel heads off don't use grinder they don't make that lower stamped control arm anymore. Ten pound sledge with some persuasion took about 1 hour to take off the factory-installed sucked but just get it done.

[@caseycallahan8767]

What's up with all these rubber gloves these days? Are mechanics afraid to get their fingers dirty? That's half the fun!

[@PoAssProductions]

I way you use #100 torque on the ball joint bolts. I broke 2 at #90. I think it should be about #45