Top ball joint popped out having trouble getting the ball joint bearing to come out.
The OEM ball joint is riveted into the upper control arm. There are two possible ways to replace the joint. You can purchase the entire upper control arm/ball joint assembly, which comes complete with the upper control arm bushings. This part costs about $150.00. You will also have to deal with the coil spring when replacing it this way. You can also buy just the ball joint for about $30.00. This will require that you drill out the rivets of the original ball joint and then bolt in the replacement with the bolts that are provided with it. The 2WD and 4WD versions are the same. See this link.
http://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/ball-joint-upper/gmc/sonoma-4wd/1994/6-cylinders-z-4-3l-tbi
Upper ball joints aren't riveted in. Look at Terry's picture. They are pushed out and pressed in. You can rent the tool for a parts store. They are a pain, but not impossible. Come on Terry???
Sorry to say, that picture was the replacement unit. If you go to the AutoZone site, you'll find the other option is the entire upper control arm, with the ball joint riveted it. You cannot buy the ball joint portion that just presses into the housing.
Unless you maybe buy it direct from a dealer......
I didn't place that picture..it is a generic one from the autozone site. Go to the link and see the real deal.
Check these out and see what I mean...I did my research!
Don't get riled Terry. Just saying, I have never replaced an upper ball joint that was riveted in. Even on this truck. The cost to replace is higher and I wouldn't recommend it. Now you have to remove the control arm to replace the ball joint.
Just try grind or cutting out rivets to replace an upper control arm bushing. Let alone removing the upper control arm to get the joint out.
I don't buy from autozone any way...
Just a note Terry. Parts stores don't always put the right picture in place. They are generic.
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