getting to the ball joints

[Mrtin]

I hesitate to even post this, because I think I'm probably overlooking something very simple.

I'm trying to remove my ball joints on a '92 2WD. It's my understanding that to do this I need to remove the spindle, then press the joints out of the I-beam. I've also read a lot on here about the great amount of force often needed to remove the spindle.

My problem is that I can't tell how to get the spindle off. I've removed the rotter. There are only two nuts I can see on the whole deal. One is the bottom ball joint stud. the other looks like a pinch bolt. Everything I've read says to "loosen the upper ball joint stud" but there is nothing resembling a nut anywhere on the upper. Furthermore the ball joints sit between, and through, the spindle and I-beam. So I can't see how I can remove the spindle with the ball joints still in.

Sorry for the long and rookie post. If someone can answer any of this, or even just direct me to a detailed diagram or photo I'll really appreciate it.

 

[mp3deviant721]

The pinch bolt needs to come out. That holds the ball joint stud to the beam. There should be a nut holding the lower ball joint stud to the beam. The ball joints come out with the spindle. Only the first gens (pre '89) have the ball joints in the beam. You should be able to break the taper on the ball joint studs and pop the spindle out.

 

[Mrtin]

wow

wow, that helps a lot man, thanks. When you say break the taper on the ball joint stud, do you mean that when I remove the spindle with the joints, the studs stay behind? So in other words I'm trying to pull the spindle straight out of the beam, not up or down to get around the studs?

I really appreciate your help. Thanks again.

 

[Mrtin]

nevermind

ok nevermind. I see what you mean now and I was able to get the spindles off. Now to get the joints out!

thanks again!