lower control arm/ball joint

95 taurus right side lower control arm/ball joint removal. Looks like the thing is pressed on the torsion rod (?). Got the ball joint and arm disconnected from the frame . Now can't get it off the torsion bar(?). Any suggestions other than a cutting torch?

I believe the "torsion bar" you are referring to is the anti-sway bar. It is a rubber bushing on the steel bar, and there will be a large washer and nut on the back side of the lower control arm. The rubber bushing is probably seized onto the bar. Use a bit a penetrating oil on between the bushing and bar, let it soak a bit, and try it again. You may want to encourage the penetrant a bit with the use of a mallet once you have everything else loose.

-Rod

I have applied both. Large quantity of kerosene, WD40 etc. and the biggest sledge I could find. I may have to heat and cool it it afew times.

I need to correct my previous post. The arm you are referring to is not the anti-sway bar as I mentioned. It's actually the "front suspension lower arm strut." I've posted the steps below from the service manual.

Ball Joint, Lower Arm

Removal

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Refer to «Section 00-02».

2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.

3. Remove and discard nut from front suspension lower arm strut (3468). Pull off dished washer.

4. Remove and discard front suspension lower arm ball joint nut and pinch bolt. Using a screwdriver, slightly spread the front wheel knuckle pinch joint and separate front suspension lower arm (3079) from front wheel knuckle (3K186). A drift punch may be used to remove bolt. Use extreme care to not damage ball joint boot seal.

5. CAUTION: Do not allow front wheel knuckle/halfshaft to move outward. Over-extension of the tripod front wheel driveshaft and joint (3B436) could result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the joint.

Remove and discard front suspension lower arm inner pivot bolt and nut.

6. Remove front suspension lower arm assembly from front suspension lower arm strut.

[See www.members.aol.com/Rod2414738/Car_Stuff/ball_joint.jpg for a diagram of the suspension]
Installation

NOTE:
Ensure the front washer is present at front suspension lower arm strut-to-front suspension lower arm attachment.

1. Insert front suspension lower arm strut into front suspension lower arm strut inner bushing (3C067).

2. Position front suspension lower arm into subframe bracket. Install a new nut and bolt. Tighten to 98-132 N-m 73-97 lb-ft).

3. Assemble front suspension lower arm ball joint stud to front wheel knuckle, making sure that ball stud groove is properly positioned. Use extreme care to not damage front suspension lower arm seal.

4. Insert a new pinch bolt and nut. Tighten to 53-72 N-m (40-53 lb-ft).

5. Clean front suspension lower arm strut threads to remove dirt and contamination.

6. Install dished washer, dished side away from lower arm bushing and new nut on front suspension lower arm strut. Tighten to 98-132 N-m (73-97 lb-ft).

7. Install wheel (1007) and tire assembly. Refer to «Section 04-04». Tighten lug nuts (1012) to 115-142 N-m (85-105 lb-ft).

8. Lower vehicle.

Thanks for the detailed instructions, but it looks like I'm going to have to take the torch to it. WON'T BUDGE!

You may also be able to "rent" a tie rod end press from a local parts store and use it to press the torsion rod through the control arm. As long as you return the tool, you shouldn't get charged for it.

-Rod