Need help replacing lower ball joints!!!

[4caster]

I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with 105K miles. I am in the process of replacing the lower ball joints, but I am having no luck removing the worn ball joints from the lower control arms. I am using a ball joint press, but no joy. I have also tried using penetrating oil, a blow torch, and cussing, but nothing seems to break them loose. (Cussing makes me feel better for about a minute.)

Has anyone replaced the ower ball joints on a late '90s Explorer. If so, what is the secret to removing them from the control arm?

Thank you much for any help that you can provide!

4caster

[Mendari]

Try soaking it in a plastic bag filled with oil. Tape it up with duct tape and hope for the best. Otherwise, it sounds like you may find it easier to remove the entire assembly to make it easier to work on. If you have a digital camera, please send in pictures.

[Opera House]

Hate to ask, but are you pressing on what you think you are pressing on and are the clips removed? It is easy to start pressing on the frame instead of the joint. I bought a cheapie Harbor Freight C clamp type removal tool but found I needed to make some of my own adaptors. One trick is to tighten it up about as tight as you can and then tap on it in the direction you want it to move. The joint will take a big move. Excelent example of static and dynamic friction. They came out pretty easy considering I was using a tool I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

[GHBoom]

When I have those stuck problems, I break out the PB Blaster its like WD40 on steroids. I think PB Blaster should be available almost anywhere. Good Luck...

GlennH

[4caster]

After two evenings of wrestling with the ball joint press, I broke down and paid $300 to let a professional do it. Thank you for your suggestions!