So, china freight aka harbor freight, has this 5 piece front end service tool that says it can be used for the following:

Pitman arms
Tie rods
Ball joints

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-66686.html

Im getting ready to replace alot of my front end componets, axle seals, tie rod/tie rod ends, ball joints and u joints. I'd prefer to buy the tool than to rent one that way I will always have it plus than my buddies can use it if they need to. It doesn't look like that tool does ujoints either so I'd have to buy something seperate for that it looks like these two do ball joints and u joints but I'm not sure if it would be better to go the route with hand tool or just pick up a cheap press.

http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-jo...cles-4065.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-jo...les-60827.html

Can anyone chime in on which tool/tools I should get to accomplish the ball joints, ujoints and tie rod/ends?

Thanks in advance!
Jake

 

The second link you posted is a great tool we use the shot out of that tool at my shop and were a Benz dealer works better than factory tools and it's not recommended but I toes hold up to impacts being used on it

 

Big hammer for removing the old TREs, PB blaster and a bench vise with some pieces of scrap tubing or big sockets for u-joints, ball joint press for ball joints.

Replace your unit bearing hubs with Timkens while doing the u-joints, when doing so put a little grease on the surface where it goes into the knuckle to prevent it rusting in

 

513084 the right part for the timken?