hey guys i need some help. i am replacing the ball joints on the front end of my 83 k-10 and i have run in to a small problem. the locking nut on the inside of the top ball joint shaft is becoming a little tough to get tight. i fabbed a wrench from an old socket and it worked fine on the passenger side top ball joint, but on the driver side the redneck engineered tool broke under the pressure. do any of y'all knowledgeable folks know where one could get the tool that is made to tighten that nut? i tried the local yocals like a'zone, adv. auto, napa and parts plus. any info is greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.:confused:
bark

They probably had it, you just need to tell them the right name for it. I have CRS so I can't remember either. But it is not tightening a nut, it tightens an insert. Upper ball joint adjusting socket or something like that.

tool link (http://www.etoolcart.com/browseproducts/Ball-Joint-Spanner-Wrench.HTML)

is this what you need? I changed mine on my 76 and don't remember needing any special tools, but this is all I could find.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dana-44-Ball-Joint-Tool-Adjustment-or-Removal_W0QQitemZ4642990961QQcmdZViewItem

or see if you can find a local mechanics shop where you could borrow the tool.

here too.
http://quad4x4.com/Chevy%20Tools.htm

otc part number 7080. otctools.com or napa or carques should be able to get it. Or local tool guys like Matco Tools, or even matcotools.com would sell it to you.

They have it, you just didn't look hard enough. Almost every open nuckle 10bolt and D44 (in chevys, fords, jeeps dodges etc) uses it.....

oreillys can get you one from specialty products inc. its the company they use for alignment products. used to work for them and ordered one at that time. you just have to find a real parts guy not just a computer jockey

otc part number 7080. otctools.com or napa or carques should be able to get it. Or local tool guys like Matco Tools, or even matcotools.com would sell it to you.

x2, beefiest version ive seen to date, after my snapon one broke, i ordered the otc tool. Carcuest and napa can order otc tools.