Separating Ball Joint from Spindle?

[Duel72]

What are you guys using to separate the balljoints from the spindles? I tried a tierod separating tool (fork) to try to knock them loose but it's not the right tool ofcourse.

[kyull67]

Loosen the nut and hit the spindle with a small sledge where the ball joint goes through. I'd Read this first http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=22526 I just did all four of mine yesterday. Mine were original to the truck and they took alot of persuading. I ended up using the sledge and the pickle fork. Also I think It's best to start with the bottom when removing and installing them.

[LayFrame72]

I seperated mine yesterday and I used the fork. I was a little worried at first cause nothing was really happening after swinging for the fences with a sledgehammer. But then I realized I had flipped the fork the wrong way.. ..After that she came off..And about 5" of dirt hidden on/in the crossmember.

[kyull67]

Hmmm...Must be ball joint season.

['68 longbed]

that's my project somtime in the next few weeks. mine got sloppy all of a sudden. they were fine a few months ago...but they are originals with around 100,000 miles on them.

do any of the "mc-parts stores" sell the a-arms? I'd kinda like to build out the arms and just throw them on.

[72GMCburban]

I had a 66 3/4 ton that I had to take the upper and lower arms off. Then after 3 weekends of trying everything (even broke a pickle fork) took it to the shop and had the old ball joints torched off, took then over and hour for 1 side, what a B*tch that was, now I am afraid to even attempt to swap springs.