All,

Appreciate any help someone can offer. I've beaten on these things all morning, and I've got to be doing something wrong.

Trying to remove the ball joints from the spindles on my '65, so I can replace the upper and lower control arms, but I can't get the ball joints to budge (stud to pop loose from the spindle). I've attached a picture, so maybe someone can point out where I'm doing something wrong. I've loosened the castle nut, and have beaten on the end of the pickle fork - to the point of frustration, but they will not come loose.

Do I just keep beating - taking a beer break - and beating again? Are there other methods to remove? Again, those with experience who can lend a hand to a frustrated father, son & daughter would be greatly appreciated. We're going to take a break, and wait for some advice from you guys.

Hap

[IMG]local://upfiles/32612/FC9EE02CC406462D8145D70375CCC4E7.jpg[/IMG]

 

Do you have air tools, use an air chisel? That would help. Talk to the local parts place, If not, try to rent one or call a friend.

 

That pickle fork should do it if you have a BFH. That claw hammer ain't gonna work. You might try heating it up with a torch, then cooling it down quickly with some water, then get a BFH and bang the heck out of it. Hit it like you want to break it.

 

when i did that last year all i did was beat it with a hammer and it came right off.

 

That's probably because yours was worn slab dab out and hanging on a wing and a prayer.

 

yeah it was worn out as was the rest of the cars suspension so i changed all of it.

 

Get rid of that pickle fork and get a short-handled sledge hammer. Just did mine a couple weeks ago and I had to hit (and I mean HIT) each ball joint no more than 6 times before it dropped free. Here you go:

http://www.mustangsplus.com/tech/sho...shockfall1.htm

 

Funny...but true. Just get a bigger hammer.

 

Are you trying to get the spindle off or get the ball joint out of the lower control arm?

If trying to get the spindle off the ball joint, you need a much larger hammer than you have in the pic, just like the other guys said. Dont bother hitting the nut or threads, it wont help. See that smooth part of the spindle right under the nut? Smack it right there REALLY HARD with at least a 48oz hammer and it will pop right off.

Another thing about removing the spindle, since the spring is above the upper arm, the control arm bushing may be holding the lower up far enough you cant get it to drop out, they have some rebound to them. If you have a long jack handle, try puttin it above the lower control arm and under the subframe, then stand on the other end.

If trying to get the ball joint out of the control arm, you need to remove the spindle first, figured that would be obvious so i didnt say it first.. Ball joints go in thru the bottom of the lower control arm.

 

theway listed in the mustangs ples is the easiest way plus it doesnt damage the boot on the ball joint