Well, after having such success with the Hub Grappler from OTC I have been looking into the OTC 6559 Master Ball Joint kit that is supposed to cover everything up until 2008 for both cars and trucks.
My main concern with the kit however is IF it does the W126 and Mercedes Ball joints because as most people know the tools to do them are in excess of $600 and at least $100 for the home-brew press tube if you wanted to go ultra cheap. If this OTC offers and easy way to extract and install them I think I'll buy it. I left a message for OTC and contacted my supplier who I got my last kit from looking into if this kit has provisions for the W126 Mercedes.
It's pretty expensive @ a little over $800 but I have seen them for sub $700 online not including shipping. They also sell an older 6539 kit which is listed as just a "truck" kit and contains 50+ pieces, the 6559 is the "master" kit and includes everything in the 6539 (from what I am told) plus more adapters - something like 70+ in total.
I'll let you know what I find out and I'll even post up some photos of it in action in the W126 section if it does in fact work on Mercedes.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I have an OTC C-frame and a bunch of aftermarket adapters. It works, and I've been using it professionally for years. Only once did I have to replace the C-frame and screw.
A colleague of mine just bought the Snap On set, and I'm kinda jealous of it because the frame is much more rigid, and it's longer so you can do some of the longer ball joints without as much dicking around. It's worth considering anyway. You'll be happy with either choice though.
I didnt even know there was a SnapOn equivalent. What is the part number?
Seems customer support is non-existent at OTC as I have left several messages with both OTC and their vendor seeking an answer to my question. No reply and its been quite awhile. Starting to think OTC might be a hard company to work with in the event of a problem.
I think I am going to look into that SnapOn version.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
It doesn't list the 1986-1991 Mercedes Benz though...
Still, it may do them because it doesn't seem to go under 1991 anyway. Seems like a whole lot less adapters too.. Says right on it Made in USA though! The SnapOn kit also seems to cost about $150 less than the OTC! Like that meaty looking C frame too... The Zerk fitting seems like a good ideal as well..
I am going to have to make a decision here soon.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
No PowerStroker, actually I have not heard back from either OTC, Snap-On or the local store I usually order from!
Since I got sidetracked with my little Cadillac fetish I been switching between the Silverado and the Mercedes although I have quit driving both the Mercedes and the Corvette since it's total snowy chaos here with salt on the roads... So I been putting off that little $800 purchase, although I am 100% prepared to purchase once I find out if it will do my W126 Mercedes...
Recently installed a new heater in the garage, going to make a thread about it. Just finished off a stereo install in the Silverado with a 12" woofer and AC Gothic edition AMP and all new Fosgate speakers all around. Sounds real nice in an open cab... Kid gets his license in 3 more weeks so I'd rather have him in the truck rather than any of the other cars..
Let me know what you find out about yours and how it works, I am sure you have used the OTC so I'd be very interested in your thoughts on the feel and quality of the Snap-On vs. the OTC!
Sounds like a good deal so I'd jump on it now before the guy changes his mind, and of course before I make up mine! LOL, look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I'm a little concerned with OTC and the lack of information out there regarding the application list. You would think they would advertise every single make and model this press will work on, but I don't seem to see that anywhere.
Hate to buy this big kit if it doesn't do the W126 Mercedes, but I am going to need something soon.
This is the last big thing on my list for awhile and I'd like to check it off.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I have recently found out that OTC has been bought out by Bosch and their technical support number is 1-800-533-6127 and their email is tech@otctools.com
So glad this company was purchased by a reputable company like Bosch! I have always had good luck with OTC tools and I look forward to finding out of the OTC 6559 Master Ball joint kit services 1986-1991 Mercedes Benz W126 ball joints.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
