So i'm swapping ball joints and am just using a home made tool to get them out. i made a cup to go over the top part to push against the surface of the knuckle, can i just push up on the shaft that is shown? or do i need a cup around that part as well?

first time doing ball joints so help is appreciated

 

I would make a cup to go over the shaft. It takes ALOT of force to get those out and I don't think the shaft approch is gonna do it. Good Luck!

P.S. you do know most autopart stores rent the tool for free right?!?

 

I just did all four ball joints on my 89 Cherokee. I did not know (until too late) that most parts stores will rent or loan tools to do this with. I bought a Horrible Fright tool and bent the crap out of it trying to get the old ball joints to pop loose. I finally had to get yet another one when I could not longer use the first one. I reinforced the second one with a piece of 3/8" plate welded on and it got them out then. To make a long story short get the right tools and your life will be a LOT easier. There is a good video on YouTube about this.

 

I also just finished doing all four ball joints on my 89. You can use that stud but it might push through the top of the ball joint. If that happens it won't hurt anything, it will make it easier to get out anyways. Do not press them back in with the stud though.

 

I used a ball joint press made by OTC, worked awesome and didn't bend at all.

 

I just finished all four of mine today. It will take some force to get the old ones out that I dont think will work by pushing up on the shaft. If you are near an autozone they rent out ball joint presses for free. I used it just today. You pay full price for it- use it- return it and they give you all your money back. You cant beat it because it makes the job alot easier.