ASTRO PNEUMATIC GOLIATH BALL JOINT XL C-FRAME PRESS

[JR_Charger]

Thinking about getting one of these -

They're typically around $85-90, but I'm also seeing a "version" in the $55-65 range -

So I guess "Upgrade" and "Pneumatic" are the Chineseum knock-off brands? Is the Astro brand the "real" one? Is it any good?

 

[F4R/T]

Same box different name it looks like. I’d buy a good used one before one of those but you gotta do what ya gotta do.

 

[toolmanmike]

Why a press? the uppers are screw in and my lowers came with the arm.

 

[RemCharger]

Have you looked at OTC?

 

[ckessel]

OTC used to be Owatana Tool Company. Now, oriental tool company. Astro makes several of the tools you find on the Matco truck btw

 

[khryslerkid]

I've rented them from Advance Auto. Auto Zone has them also. Requires a deposit with a full refund when returned. It's another one of those tools you might use once a year.

I removed lower ball joints from a 2500 Ram to pressing out wheel studs.

 

[padam]

Advanced seemed to have the most rental tools, at least in my area. You have to pay full new price and it is refunded when returned.
I just went through this with a coolant pressure tester. I was going to buy one, Chinese ones are 150-200. Then it’s a pos, sitting around the garage until you need it every year or two.

Advance had a really nice one, it was around 300, but I got it all back when I returned it a week later.

 

[F4R/T]

I’ve noticed a lot of stuff nowadays is reboxed and rebranded..

 

[JR_Charger]

Why a press? the uppers are screw in and my lowers came with the arm. View attachment 1658949

Upper control arm bushings, universal joints, I think I did something on the front leaf spring bushing. Maybe pushed the rusted bolts out. I'm getting ready to install new universal joints in the driveshaft. Not sure if a C-frame press is necessary or even useful, but I found it useful during removal.

Have you looked at OTC?

I dunno - could have been the brand of the C-frame press I rather stupidly ruined.

I've rented them from Advance Auto. Auto Zone has them also. Requires a deposit with a full refund when returned. It's another one of those tools you might use once a year.

I removed lower ball joints from a 2500 Ram to pressing out wheel studs.

I own a big kit for removing ball joints and bushings. I'm trying to replace the C-frame press from the kit, which always seemed a bit narrow.