Lower Ball Joint Removal

[orange57]

Has anyone ever used one of these to remove the front end lower ball joints? I'm struggling to get it out while trying to remove the trans.

[duke350]

If it were me, I would get a removal fork and just buy a new boot.
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/24745.jpg
That is what I typically use. A lot of times you damage the boot, but it makes it easy to get the ball joint apart. And the boots are inexpensive.

[orange57]

I have one of those, but i can't get enough leverage on it to put a good amount of force on it. This step has pretty much haulted my progress.

[duke350]

With the fork you should not need to pry, you put the tapered end between the ball joint and knuckle and hit the end with a big hammer and it will pop out. Once it is loose it should pull down pretty easy. If it doesn't you may have to remove the sway bar connectors so the control arm will swing down.I will check to see if I have a diagram on it to get a look and post back in a bit.

[orange57]

Thanks, the diagram would be awesome. I appreciaet the help.

[duke350]

I do not have a good picture of the ball joint, but I have a pic of the entire front suspension setup, if that will help. From what I can see, it is just a standard setup. It may help you to pull out the bolts at the top of the knuckle to release the knuckle from the strut, but you will have to have an alignment done after.