Q: How did this ball joint adaptor starter kit idea come about internally? What were the seeds that made it into what it is?
A: While the original ball joint kit and C-frame have worked great for many years, setting up the tool was always a bit frustrating. Cups and adapters didn’t stay put, and it could be time-consuming, especially on horizontal jobs. Our team worked on various ways to secure cups and adapters to the C-frame and decided that spring-loaded ball bearings would secure the cups but allow enough play to maneuver around suspension components.
Q: How have technician customers who’ve purchased this rated it?
A: Based on our feedback, technicians who’ve purchased the starter kit have rated it very highly and are enjoying the array of vehicle applications the kit has.
Additionally, technicians appreciate that the adapter kit is fully compatible with existing OTC ball joint kits – citing that this allows them to easily expand their vehicle applications and makes removing and installing ball joints and suspension components faster and easier. •
Q: What is the main problem this tool solves for technicians?
A: Having to balance cups and adapters on a C-frame under a vehicle and chasing those adapters around the shop after removing ball joints. It saves time and eliminates frustration during ball joint removal and installation.
Q: How does it help technicians save time?
A: The included locking cups and adapters are set up seamlessly and quicker than comparable kits, giving technicians a free hand to perform other tasks simultaneously. A tech can hold the C-frame with one hand and use an impact wrench to start driving the forcing screw during removal or installation.
Q: Do you plan to offer other kits with more adaptors or a larger set in the future?
A: We are continuously assessing our existing ball joint kits to expand the tool’s capabilities and applications. Additionally, we are looking at new applications, including 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks and service vehicles, off-road vehicles, and new suspension setups in electric vehicles.