Ball joints, stuck in the middle of job

[RickPA]

97 XLT (4wd)
I've been following the posts for lower ball joint replacement and I've got the stuff I need. Problem is the ball joint stud will not clear the spindle assembly because the CV housing (4WD) is in the way.

I backed out the torsion bar nut but no matter what I try I can't get enough room to get the ball joint stud out of the mounting bore.

Do I have to pull the axle?

PLEASE HELP ASAP.

Thanks

 

[Ray Lobato]

You have to remove the steering knuckle from the bottom of the balljoint. you can also remove the tierod from the steering knuckle to move the steering knuckle out of the way to get to the balljoint. Don't play with the torsion bars. Remove the clip on the top of the old balljoint and with a BFH and a socket extension beat the balljoint out of the lower control arm. It should only take 2 or 3 good wacks to do it.

 

[Opera House]

I just did my lower ball joints

and I took a tie rod seperator, not through the bolt of the ball joint but wedged between the two assemblies so the boot wouldn't be damaged. Any wedge, chisel with metal shim or log splitting wedge would do. Back the bolt of the ball joint out to the end of the threads. This will protect the threads. Pound the wedge in to apply pressure. A good tap upwards on the bolt should get it to seperate. It was tight but I never had to remove the tie rod to free the shaft. I had a jack stand hold up the frame and used the floor jack on the control arm. That made it easier.