ball joint help please

[truckcap22]

alright i got my uppers off, but my knuckle isn't coming off i have all the bolts off and everything its stuck on the axle ane lower ball joint thread (i have the castle nut off) what do i do at this point i'm down to this on both sides...

help please! lol

 

[kunar]

use a pickle fork... they should just pop off

 

[truckcap22]

been trying to use a pickle fork for about an hour now..lol i got nothing

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You are replacing the balljoints? I never use a pickle fork, just hit the knuckle with a big hammer right where the stud of the balljoint goes through the knuckle. Leave the nut threaded on the balljoint a couple threads so that it doesn't fall off and hit the floor. As for the axle splines being stuck in the hub, you can thread the nut back on and give it some taps with a hammer to see if you can get it moving.

There are no special tricks, the balljoints are just a press fit with a tapered stud. You need to hit it harder is all.

 

[truckcap22]

do i need to remove the tie rod?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

No, but if you are removing the knuckle from the truck you will need to. I do anyway just because it makes it easier to work on things. Same deal for removing the tie rod, remove the castle nut and smack the knuckle where the tie rod stud goes through it. It will pop right out.

 

[truckcap22]

alright i'll try that thanks alot

 

[truckcap22]

putting in the lowers i ripped one of the boots...does this mean i need to replace it already or will it be okay?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

With the boot ripped the balljoint won't last too long as it will constantly be getting water and grit in there. Is one of the boots on the old balljoints good enough to swap over?

 

[truckcap22]

not really and i already put the knuckle back on