Upper ball joint removal DISASTER .....I need help!

[beliboy32]

So i went to do my lift this weekend and being from canada the lovely winters have rusted some bolts on forever or made them dust.... with that said i figured while i have some things off i would quickly change a few other items.... i got to my upper ball joint and BAAAMMM the press dropss (as it should) but little did i know the ball joint itself came through the housing see picture below. Now has anyone dealt with this how the Fluff do i get that housing out ...please help


Thank you,

 

[nissanh]

Can't you cut the ball joint housing with a saw blade?

 

[TheDurk]

I'm not sure, but is it possible you did not remove the locking circlip that holds the housing into the spindle? I'm wondering if it is under that dirt.

 

[zoombyu86]

I agree with durk. I'm in Ohio and recently did this and i couldn't even see a c-clip even after hitting with PB Blaster and a wire brush because it was so rusted. I looked at pics where it should be (sits flush with the spindle/knuckle...whatever its called) and just ground away at 1/4 of it before I could punch it out.

 

[St Runner]

I have found that it is easier for me to remove the axle nut, caliper, rotor and four bolts for the lower ball joint. Then take the whole arm off and bring it into a nice comfortable, well lit room and press it out with a floor press

 

[beliboy32]

The clip was removed before hand

 

[zoombyu86]

not sure what else you can do then other than letting it sit in penetrant for days and pressing the rest out or getting a saw in there to cut it from the center outwards but you risk cutting into the spindle.

 

[zoombyu86]

I have found that it is easier for me to remove the axle nut, caliper, rotor and four bolts for the lower ball joint. Then take the whole arm off and bring it into a nice comfortable, well lit room and press it out with a floor press

I did this. still wasn't easy, so I can't imagine trying to do it on the truck.

 

[MarkamisPrime]

Penetration lube and an air hammer [emoji375]
I didn't bother using my ball joint tool on mine I just did a couple taps with the air hammer and it came right out.
I am also in California so no rust whatsoever, but it's worth a shot.
If you do use a sawzall just be carful not to get the spindle.

 

[JBurt]

First case of upper ball joint failure I've seen.

Just in case you haven't thought of it, now would be a great time for spindle gussets

 

[geohil]

I'm sure shipping to Canada is probably too expensive but I bought a whole IFS set up from a guy doing a solid axle swap. It is rust free and off of a '97 with 128,000 miles on it. I only want the running gear so you pay shipping and I'll give/send you the spindle with OEM ball-joint if it helps?

No idea what something of that weight even costs to ship from Oregon to Ottawa?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Kroil and an air hammer. Oxy would make even faster work if you have access to it...

 

[JBurt]

You could also heat it up with a cheap propane torch. Oxy would work much better though

 

[MStudt]

I would agree with JBurt with the heat. It will help some, but I don't know if it'll be enough. I had to pull my spindle off completely, and use my shop press.

 

[beliboy32]

So i got it out. I torched it then i tried the press again but with out the ring just the stepwedge top(that goes on the screw portion) and voila she came out.

thank you all for you suggestions