Lower Ball Joints
 

Do you need two different forks to remove the ball joints on 71 C10 ball joints?

I have the fork for the upper ball joint. It doesn't fit for the lower. Is there a cheaters way to getting around buying another fork or should I just go and get another fork?

OOPS.
I have tried to beat it out of the spindle, but it won't budge.

Go to a local parts store and rent a balljoint press. It looks like a big C-clamp. You just set the little cups on the balljoint and tighten it down with a 3/4 end wrench or even an impact socket. Here's a pic of the kit.

He's talking about the pickle forks.

Yes, you end up having to use two different ones, or at least I had to (3/4 ton '69 C20 w/ drums).

If youre having trouble separating it from the spindle, do this...
1. hook up the upper ball joint getting the nut fully covering the threads.
2. get yourself a bottle jack wedge it between top and bottom a-arms and start jacking it carefully.
3. once you get some good pressure start beating with a 3lb hammer along with using your seperator or anything you can get leverge with. Beat the threads of the lower joint, the spindle and the a-arm.(wont hurt it). Sooner or later it will pop off.


Also keep in mind I used this method without springs installed....good luck!