Spindle removal question

[bigblock73]

OK, in the middle of sawpping spindles and cutting coils...need some quick help. I know the process for removing the spindles and what not...so I won't waste my time explaining that. I have the wheels, rotors and shocks off, cotter pins removed from all castle nuts (tie rods, upper and lower arms), and the lower A-arm castle nut a little less than half way off the lower ball joint. On my 73, one decent whack with the 5 pounf sledge, and it popped apart..on my '77...not even close to budging after countless hard whacks and several jack compressions with quick releases.

Any other tips on seperating the spindle from the LCA without ruining the lower ball joint? I am getting really pizzed...this whole suspension drop has been kicking my butt due to rust, broken parts and PO half-ass fixes. I am thinking pickle fork, but not sure of this will damage anything. This project was supposed to be low budget, but has been heading towards NO budget after I had to buy new leaf springs.

[lolife99]

Bigger Hammer!
When we did 72BlckButy's truck,... one side came apart easy. The other side was a PITA.

The only thing I have done successfully is to use a LONG prybar. (3-4 ft long) and put extra down pressure on the lower ball joint while someone smacks on the spindle.
Alternate hitting the front side and back side of the spindle.

On my blazer I cut the balljoints apart due to rust. I ruined the stock spindles. A pickle fork or a "pickle fork attachment" for an air hammer will help. Most likely the balljoint boot will get split.

Seriously,... try a bigger hammer. I have about a 10 or 12 lb sledgehammer with the handle cut down really short. It works great.

[LiveAnimals]

^I agree, I used a pickle fork and hagged my lower ball joints up. What ultimately worked was a large snap on hammer and some elbow grease.

[shockermotorsports1]

a heavy duty ball joint seperator

[454HO]

Apply some heat to the spindle with a propane torch. Be carefull not to set the grease on fire.

[bigblock73]

OK guys, thanks for the help. I will try tomorrow night..with a little more force...if all else fails, will look into a ball joint seperator.

[3r!c84]

dont you have to put a jack under the LCA to keep the spring from jumping out?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

dont you have to put a jack under the LCA to keep the spring from jumping out?

You need the spring pressure to help seperate the upper and lower ball joints.

-I normally remove the cotter pins.
-Then back the upper and lower balljoint nuts off. (about three turns, enough to create a gap)
-Then strike the spindle in the balljoint area to break the "taper" loose.
-Then place your floor jack under the LCA with slight pressure , and remove the ball joint nuts.
-Remove the upper a-arm from the spindle, and then lift the spindle out of the way.
-Once everything is out of the way,... lower the LCA and remove the spring.