[63554]

Ok heres the deal. I got a 96 HB 2WD... both sides upper ball joints are gone... so i'm replacing them. FSM calls for some crazy removal tool but haynes has an alternative tool using a long bolt, nut, washer and a socket. I have everything apart and ready to go... just can't get this dang ball joint OUT. I tried the haynes fabricated tool no good... I tried a pickle fork no good I tried banging on it, smashing it, asking it, begging it.... can't get this thing off... Do I need a press? or what's the deal with this thing.. any help?!

Thanks in advance!
adrien

 

[63554]

Well for anyone with the same problem after a few hours of pure rage I got the upper off. Basically I just took my picklefork got it started w/ a 5lb hammer and then got my sledge hammer and smashed it until the mechanical weld broke. For the lower ball joint I had to use a pneumatic impact wrench on the lower ball joint bolt and used the picklefork to pop it out as well. I will finish up on the passenger side tomorrow! Better have it running before work on Monday! Good luck to anyone whose doing this! Have all the tools you need handy!

 

[63554]

I dropped in MOOGs.. alittle pricey but its not something you want to have to worry about. Plus they're LLT warranty if anything goes wrong again. But you will most def need an impact wrench and a good mechanic socket set... i think the bolt sizes were upper 22mm and lower 27mm... anyways let me know if you run into any problems... (I ran into every problem doing it so i'm sure i can help you out )