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Stubborn Ball Joints


kunar

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I finally decided to do my ball joints on the pass side, i have been really busy so i haven't had a chance till now. i have everything stripped down to the knuckle but i cant get the ball joint studs to break free from the axle beam. i've already put lots of heat on everything along with a good soak of PB Blaster, anybody have any ideas? on the last set i did, i just whacked stuff with a big hammer but its not working on these today. i guess the next thing i'm thinking is a pickle fork (i don't have one) anybody have any other suggestions?
 


rickcdewitt

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i used a long pry bar and a hammer.have someone pry the knuckle down(without bending the axle beam) with all their might and try and smack the top of the lower ball joint stud with a big drift and BFH.the top shoulden't be stuck as bad.if you put a sacrificial nut on the stud and use a brass drift it won't deform as much.
 
kunar

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just got back for doing some running and it literally took about 2 mins with the pickle fork. i got both autozone had and ended up using the one they call a pitman arm fork, the tie rod end fork was too small. just pound it straight in like a wedge and it popped apart.
 
Jspafford

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Glad you got it. Nice how the right tool for the job makes it so much easier!
 
kunar

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Jspafford said:
Glad you got it. Nice how the right tool for the job makes it so much easier!
Click to expand...
heh, yea i guess. ive never been a fan of pickle forks, there constant ripping of tie rod boots and all, but i guess if youre replacing them it doesnt matter if they get torn. that and the fact that the last 2 sets i did, i just used a big hammer to knock them off...
 
DangerRanger96

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Hey Kunar, what year ranger are they on? I have a 96 that I'm thinking of doing.
 
kunar

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mine was an 87 (d28) yours will be a d35 but should be similar, i know yours will use a pinch bolt on the top stud where mine is threaded to accept a nut. all in all not difficult. strip the knuckle of all steering, brakes, bearings etc. unbolt the ball joints and knock stuff apart, try a pickle fork they are great! get a press ($100 loaner tool at autozone or on sale at harbor freight for $30 right now) and pop things apart, install in reverse order. there may be a write-up in the tech library
 
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