2003 4runner v8 lower ball joint does not want to move an inch!!!

[saint123]

After enough research, I took on the task of replacing the ball joints on my 03 v8. No matter what i try, the ball joint does not move an mm much less an inch , so much so that at this point I dont even know if I should press it out downwards or upwards! I will post a picture soon but I have 2 questions

(a) Do all 4th gen 4runners have replaceable ball joints?
(b) If so, do they come out downwards or upwards?

I have already broken an adapter trying to push them down and out.
I cannot see any seem at the intersection of the joint and the control arm after removing the ring which seems to suggest that either there is toooooo much rest or some models perhaps dont have removable ball joints.

Please help. Thanks. This is my 4th day into my ordeal...

 

[fdbyrne]

Are you sure you removed the c-clip retainer? I can't remember if they go up or down but they should be pushed from the side with the clip to the side without.

 

[Cisco Kid]

The lower ball joints are replaceable. It will probably take some heat on the control arm around the joint to get it to pop loose though. I just replaced the whole arm on mine with a complete assembly. Yeah it's more money to do that but I didn't have to fight it.

 

[saint123]

The lower ball joints are replaceable. It will probably take some heat on the control arm around the joint to get it to pop loose though. I just replaced the whole arm on mine with a complete assembly. Yeah it's more money to do that but I didn't have to fight it.

Thanks folks. I will give it another go. If I have to replace the whole arm, which one did you buy? OEM/Moog/Other - and why

Oh! and yes I removed the retainer. It broke and then I had to take a flat head and hammer to it to pry the rest out.

 

[truckhigh]

you might have the wrong adapter. i tried every single one autozone had and they didn't fit. i heard advanced out has the adapter in the kit that fits. i ended up buying the harbor freight set for $50 and a rental press. use heat and or pb blaster.

 

[fdbyrne]

I went with the Moogs and I'm happy. If your control arm bushings are in good shape I'd try to avoid replacing the arms. It usually turns into a much bigger project because the cam bolts are often seized and have to be cut out.

 

[having fun]

Push from the side the clip is on. And as I tell everyone, put some heat on the LCA around the BJ. Key thing, heat, lots of heat is your friend on this.

 

[saint_123]

Posting three images - 1 for my joint press setup and 2 for the joint close up from the clip side. Note that I for one cannot discern a joint in that sh** piece of metal. Anyone care to revise there opinion or should I go for the torch next.

I pressed this so hard ( + coats of wd40 and pb-blaster) that the top of the ball joint actually had scuff marks. Needless to say, the joint din't budge a bit!

 

[truckhigh]

from your pic it looks like you have the wrong adapter on the bottom. if you have the adapter on the bottom you are just pressing it into itself. i need to see the pics of how the bottom seats on the arm.

 

[saint_123]

from your pic it looks like you have the wrong adapter on the bottom. if you have the adapter on the bottom you are just pressing it into itself. i need to see the pics of how the bottom seats on the arm.

Nope - the adapter is on the top. I realize the pictures should have been rotated properly.

 

[saint_123]

After enough research, I took on the task of replacing the ball joints on my 03 v8. No matter what i try, the ball joint does not move an mm much less an inch , so much so that at this point I dont even know if I should press it out downwards or upwards! I will post a picture soon but I have 2 questions

(a) Do all 4th gen 4runners have replaceable ball joints?
(b) If so, do they come out downwards or upwards?

I have already broken an adapter trying to push them down and out.
I cannot see any seem at the intersection of the joint and the control arm after removing the ring which seems to suggest that either there is toooooo much rest or some models perhaps dont have removable ball joints.

Please help. Thanks. This is my 4th day into my ordeal...

Finally! the torch and a heavy hammer did the trick. I can now vouch that you always hammer the side that has the snap ring.

 

[truckhigh]

I just did this a month ago and would never use a hammer. you would have a chance of bending and deforming the arm especially with heat. you would also have a chance the joint comes out at an angle enlarging the hole. I just wouldn't recommend it to the new guys.

good job on the swap though. I can't account for rust and other circumstances though.

 

[KPZVR4]

Keep the new one in the freezer for at least 24hrs before you try to install it. The rubber bushing contracts from being frozen and allows a much easier installation.