Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 04-21-2008, 04:22 AM

I am trying to remove my coil springs because my truck has a 2" lean and the passenger side lower control arm won't budge. I've done this before with ease many times, but this one is being a PITA!

I've got the truck on jackstands, backed the castle nut off the ball joint, placed jack under LCA and lowered but it's stuck. Used pickle fork, big hammer, cuss words, nothing will budge it. I also tried jacking the UCA to let the spring pressure push the ball joint out but no joy.

Anybody have this happen, Any suggestions?

Longhorn Man · 04-21-2008, 04:35 AM

I've had to put a small bottle jack in there once in a road side repair (spindle replacement).

jwn1975 · 04-21-2008, 04:52 AM

Ive had to beat the SH&T out of mine. Bigger hammer. may use slight heat as well.

PanelDeland · 04-21-2008, 06:13 AM

I beat on one side of mine for about 3 hours over a 4 day period before it finally came loose.Got the lower loose then had another 1 to 1 1/2 hours in the upper.The other side I hit twice and both popped loose.Use the biggest hammer you can hit accurately with.

**LEEVON** · 04-21-2008, 06:21 AM

I think I'm gonna try the bottle jack trick tomorrow...

dieselarmy13 · 04-21-2008, 06:31 AM

Make that puppy cry uncle with a little heat! PB Blaster never hurts, either. Not at the same time, though!

Painter D · 04-21-2008, 07:04 AM

If you have access to an air hammer you might try that ,with a ball joint seperator end on it

**leddzepp** · 04-21-2008, 09:14 AM

I used a C-Clamp press from harbor freight tools to get mine out. Beating on it more or using a picklefork will not work, it needs to be pressed out. The bottlejack trick will work as well.

70GMCer · 04-21-2008, 03:27 PM

All above ideas......& use "Bigger Cuss Words".......

Longhorn Man · 04-21-2008, 04:15 PM

ledzep... he's trying to seperate the ball joint from the spindle.

LONGHAIR · 04-21-2008, 05:08 PM

While it is hard to get swinging space in there.....I find the best way for a really stubborn one is the "double hammer". You 2 "fairly big" hammers, nothing crazy, you still have to swing one of them.
What you do is have someone else hold one of the hammers (preferably the bigger one) against the side of the spindle next to the hole where the tapered shaft comes through. Then you swing the other hammer and hit the opposite side, "smashing" into the sides of the "hole".
This is not the right spindle, but the idea is the same.

Sport/Truck · 04-21-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

While it is hard to get swinging space in there.....I find the best way for a really stubborn one is the "double hammer". You 2 "fairly big" hammers, nothing crazy, you still have to swing one of them.
What you do is have someone else hold one of the hammers (preferably the bigger one) against the side of the spindle next to the hole where the tapered shaft comes through. Then you swing the other hammer and hit the opposite side, "smashing" into the sides of the "hole".
This is not the right spindle, but the idea is the same.

I've also had good luck just hitting it there with a hammer, they seem to just pop out. I'm going to try the double hammer idea next time! Those forks just seems to destroy the boots etc.
s/t

LONGHAIR · 04-21-2008, 05:33 PM

Oh yeah, I am very against the stupid fork thing. They destroy the boots, how could they not?

1967C20 · 04-21-2008, 08:48 PM

This is what I did on mine. I took apart a heavy duty brake drum puller, put a nut between the screw of the puller and the ball joint stud, and turned it using an impact gun. Heat, penetrating oil, whacking with a small sledge, and turning the puller with the impact gun eventually broke it loose. Resistance is futile!

rick0312 · 04-22-2008, 05:15 AM

I had a similar problem when I was removing my outer tie rods. The thing was just frozen in there. I tried everything...PB blaster, BFH, Pickle fork and heat. I eventually had to cut it off and drill out what was left behind. I just took my time and kept increasing in drill bit size until i cleaned the hole out. Be carefull because the ball joint hole is tapered just like the tie rod.

Mondo · 04-22-2008, 08:26 AM

Finally took the lower A arm off the truck (with spindle still on) and took it to a shop. I didn't ask how they did it, wasn't sure I wanted to know...

**leddzepp** · 04-22-2008, 09:27 AM

If removing the ball joint from the spindle, Longhairs method is the way to go. I was talking about removing the ball joint from the LCA.

*Shane* · 04-22-2008, 04:41 PM

The perfect tool for this job ... less than $10 and it's from Harbor Freight too

**LEEVON** · 04-23-2008, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

The perfect tool for this job ... less than $10 and it's from Harbor Freight too

yeah, yeah...I'm the king of BFH and this one won't budge. I ended up just popping the spindle from the UCA's.

lowrollin70gmc · 04-22-2008, 06:59 PM

I use a big 'ol bolt, nut and socket to fashion a makeshift ball joint press. Hold the bolt head with one wrench, and turn the nut with the other and you have yourself a removed BJ. It smashed my knuckles when she broke free, but the boot stayed intact and all that jazz.

Some paint for ya'll (flip for upper ball joint):

PanelDeland · 04-23-2008, 04:17 AM

Shane, that looks just like my favorite Ball joint tool!!!Came from the same place too.

**leddzepp** · 04-23-2008, 09:23 AM

The easiest way to remove/install coil springs is to use a spring compressor. Then you do not need to mess with the spindles and ball joints.

*Shane* · 04-23-2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

The easiest way to remove/install coil springs is to use a spring compressor. Then you do not need to mess with the spindles and ball joints.

So how are you gonna get the compressed spring out of the pocket if you "don't mess with the spindles or ball joints" ???

kxnomore · 04-24-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

So how are you gonna get the compressed spring out of the pocket if you "don't mess with the spindles or ball joints" ???

If all you're trying to do is get the spring out, put a jack under the lower control arm shaft, and pull the u- bolts out. Then lower jack and the spring will fall out. It will not spring out and kill you, I've done this many times...

That way you don't even need to mess with the ball joints.

jrb71c20 · 04-24-2008, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

The easiest way to remove/install coil springs is to use a spring compressor. Then you do not need to mess with the spindles and ball joints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

So how are you gonna get the compressed spring out of the pocket if you "don't mess with the spindles or ball joints" ???

Magic...sheesh Shane where you been man, a cave?...

04-21-2008, 04:22 AM	#1
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I am trying to remove my coil springs because my truck has a 2" lean and the passenger side lower control arm won't budge. I've done this before with ease many times, but this one is being a PITA! I've got the truck on jackstands, backed the castle nut off the ball joint, placed jack under LCA and lowered but it's stuck. Used pickle fork, big hammer, cuss words, nothing will budge it. I also tried jacking the UCA to let the spring pressure push the ball joint out but no joy. Anybody have this happen, Any suggestions? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

04-21-2008, 04:35 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I've had to put a small bottle jack in there once in a road side repair (spindle replacement).

04-21-2008, 04:52 AM	#3
jwn1975 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Red Lodge Montana Posts: 240	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. Ive had to beat the SH&T out of mine. Bigger hammer. may use slight heat as well.

04-21-2008, 06:13 AM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I beat on one side of mine for about 3 hours over a 4 day period before it finally came loose.Got the lower loose then had another 1 to 1 1/2 hours in the upper.The other side I hit twice and both popped loose.Use the biggest hammer you can hit accurately with. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-21-2008, 06:21 AM	#5
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I think I'm gonna try the bottle jack trick tomorrow... __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

04-21-2008, 06:31 AM	#6
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. Make that puppy cry uncle with a little heat! PB Blaster never hurts, either. Not at the same time, though! __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL

04-21-2008, 07:04 AM	#7
Painter D Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW (Forney) Posts: 1,529	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. If you have access to an air hammer you might try that ,with a ball joint seperator end on it

04-21-2008, 09:14 AM	#8
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I used a C-Clamp press from harbor freight tools to get mine out. Beating on it more or using a picklefork will not work, it needs to be pressed out. The bottlejack trick will work as well.

04-21-2008, 03:27 PM	#9
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. All above ideas......& use "Bigger Cuss Words"....... __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

04-21-2008, 04:15 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. ledzep... he's trying to seperate the ball joint from the spindle.

04-21-2008, 05:08 PM	#11
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. While it is hard to get swinging space in there.....I find the best way for a really stubborn one is the "double hammer". You 2 "fairly big" hammers, nothing crazy, you still have to swing one of them. What you do is have someone else hold one of the hammers (preferably the bigger one) against the side of the spindle next to the hole where the tapered shaft comes through. Then you swing the other hammer and hit the opposite side, "smashing" into the sides of the "hole". This is not the right spindle, but the idea is the same. Attached Images

04-21-2008, 05:33 PM	#13
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. Oh yeah, I am very against the stupid fork thing. They destroy the boots, how could they not?

04-21-2008, 08:48 PM	#14
1967C20 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: China Grove, NC Posts: 122	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. This is what I did on mine. I took apart a heavy duty brake drum puller, put a nut between the screw of the puller and the ball joint stud, and turned it using an impact gun. Heat, penetrating oil, whacking with a small sledge, and turning the puller with the impact gun eventually broke it loose. Resistance is futile! Attached Images __________________ "A man's got to know his limitations." - Dirty Harry _______________________________________________ 1967 C20 Custom Camper, 327, Powerglide, PS, PB, No-Spin Locker

04-22-2008, 05:15 AM	#15
rick0312 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Warrington, PA Posts: 403	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I had a similar problem when I was removing my outer tie rods. The thing was just frozen in there. I tried everything...PB blaster, BFH, Pickle fork and heat. I eventually had to cut it off and drill out what was left behind. I just took my time and kept increasing in drill bit size until i cleaned the hole out. Be carefull because the ball joint hole is tapered just like the tie rod. Attached Images __________________ 69 C10 LWB GM 350 crate motor, 3.73 rearend

04-22-2008, 08:26 AM	#16
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. Finally took the lower A arm off the truck (with spindle still on) and took it to a shop. I didn't ask how they did it, wasn't sure I wanted to know... Last edited by Mondo; 04-22-2008 at 08:27 AM.



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04-22-2008, 09:27 AM	#17
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. If removing the ball joint from the spindle, Longhairs method is the way to go. I was talking about removing the ball joint from the LCA. Last edited by leddzepp; 04-22-2008 at 09:27 AM. Reason: spelling error

04-22-2008, 04:41 PM	#18
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. The perfect tool for this job ... less than $10 and it's from Harbor Freight too

04-22-2008, 06:59 PM	#20
lowrollin70gmc Too many projects Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fargo, ND land of the flat hills Posts: 1,147	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. I use a big 'ol bolt, nut and socket to fashion a makeshift ball joint press. Hold the bolt head with one wrench, and turn the nut with the other and you have yourself a removed BJ. It smashed my knuckles when she broke free, but the boot stayed intact and all that jazz. Some paint for ya'll (flip for upper ball joint): Attached Images __________________ Andrew 84 GMC C1500 SWB 6.2 Diesel/700R4/3.42 "Grandpa's odd duck" 70 GMC C1500 LWB My first truck: shaved, bagged, and more: the lowrollin70gmc 68 K20 Suburban 12V Cummins/NV5600/NP205/D60/11.5AAM 3.73s "Dakota Cadillac" 63 Chevy II Nova Coupe 250 I6/T56/4.56s "Economy car" 53 Willys Wagon 350/NV4500/BW4401/HP D44/9inch “Winter Wagon” 30 Model A 16 Focus ST

04-23-2008, 04:17 AM	#21
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. Shane, that looks just like my favorite Ball joint tool!!!Came from the same place too. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-23-2008, 09:23 AM	#22
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: Lower ball joint stuck suggestions please.. The easiest way to remove/install coil springs is to use a spring compressor. Then you do not need to mess with the spindles and ball joints.

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