Problem Getting Ball Joint Back On

[TechWrench]

It's too late now, but this is exactly why I don't use those pitman arm type pullers to loosen ball joints from the lower control arms. I have found that loosening the castle nut a few turns, and then hitting on the side of the control arm where the ball joint pin goes through will cause it to break free just about every time. Normally you don't have to beat the sh@t out of it, just keep rapping it with a normal strike and it will eventually break free. This method doesn't damage either the threads or the castle nut, and works just about every time. Just be carefull to hit the control arm, and not the boot over the ball joint.

 

[eddiebx]

+1
A minute job turns into a few days.

My recommendation is to use an impact wrench.

When applying pressure like others stated, your impact can spin fast to allow the connections to grab tight enough to synch down. Not always, but, possible.

Maybe try a large C clamp to press it back into position and use wd40 on the treads with a impact. It will have the force to spin on the threads.

If you have the patience, a jewlers file to the treads on the ball joint. Just other suggestions.

The problem with using an impact wrench as a solution to these types of problems is that while you may or may not be able to force the nut back on, you've also likely messed up the threads even further in the process and making it even more impossible to take off next time.

When it comes to removing stubborn fasteners, impact wrenches are absolutely priceless; but installing stubborn fasteners...not so much. Let's use OP's example, if he just zipped it on with an impact wrench right from the get go, he might've never known the threads were messed up by the pitman puller and unknowingly end up with a seized castle nut.

Impact wrenches make things much easier and faster to install, but it also makes it that much easier and faster to mess up; use cautiously and sparingly is my rule of thumb

[MENTION=72341]NJshadow93[/MENTION], I think Wheeler's Offroad carries the replacement ball joints, seems like ~65 bucks each? Light Racing Control Arms from Wheeler's Off-Road

 

[NJshadow93]

The problem with using an impact wrench as a solution to these types of problems is that while you may or may not be able to force the nut back on, you've also likely messed up the threads even further in the process and making it even more impossible to take off next time.

When it comes to removing stubborn fasteners, impact wrenches are absolutely priceless; but installing stubborn fasteners...not so much. Let's use OP's example, if he just zipped it on with an impact wrench right from the get go, he might've never known the threads were messed up by the pitman puller and unknowingly end up with a seized castle nut.

Impact wrenches make things much easier and faster to install, but it also makes it that much easier and faster to mess up; use cautiously and sparingly is my rule of thumb

[MENTION=72341]NJshadow93[/MENTION], I think Wheeler's Offroad carries the replacement ball joints, seems like ~65 bucks each? Light Racing Control Arms from Wheeler's Off-Road

Awesome, thanks. I'll wait to see a reply from SPC before pulling the trigger on that.

Also, anyone happen to know the socket size for the top nut on the ball joint?

Edit: I think it's a 32 mm