Removing ball joints - stuck

[Clark Griswald]

I am changing the ball joints on the Sweat Pea (aka. '77).

Alas, 24 years and 240k miles have corroded the large threaded retaining ring, number 17 in the following:



I have tried soaking with liquid wrench, and hammer and chisel to rotate. I am breaking out the torch to try heat next.

Any ideas on how to get these suckers off?


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Chuck Moreland '86 Cab - "Sparky", '77 Targa - "Sweet Pea"

[This message has been edited by Clark Griswald (edited 10-07-2001).]

[Early_S_Man]

Are the control arms still on the car?

If not, a VERY LARGE VISE or press will be required ... in a piece of scrap lumber at least 1.5" thick, bore a relief hole for the ball-joint stud. Then put the 'stack' of wood, control arm, special socket and breaker bar in the vise or press ... tension the 'stack' and apply at least 150 lb-ft of torque, and hopefully you can break the nut loose.

If still on the car, put breaker bar and special socket, block of wood, and floor jack under a control arm with strut still attached at fender ... jack up until front end of car is fully off the ground, and apply torque to loosen nut but do not unscrew more than one turn. Lower car and move to other side and repeat the process. Lower front end onto jack stands, and proceed with removing the slotted nuts.
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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 10-07-2001).]

[Clark Griswald]

Thanks Warren.

They are still on the car. And I did get them off.

A little torching and a lot of hammering broke them loose. I don't have the special socket, didn't plan that far ahead. Next time.

The control arms are coming off next. I will be installing new bushings, tbars and cleaning up the suspension.