Help!! Cannot remove upper ball joint!!

[KaiserM715]

I was under my truck (2000 Ranger 4x4) and noticed that the driver's side CV boot was ripped completely open and grease was everywhere. After reading some of the posts here, I thought I would try and replace it myself. I have the upper ball joint about 1/2 way out and I cannot get it out any further or back in. I completely removed the pinch bolt at the top of the steering knuckle. I had used a pry bar, with some 2x4's under it to pry it out to the point it is now. I am trying to avoid having to replace the upper ball joint. Any thoughts? I have to get my truck running by Tuesday (I have tomorrow off). Everything else has been taken apart and all I have left to get the old shaft out is to get the ball joint apart.

 

[JDraper]

Have you tried driving a cold chisel or screwdriver (if that's all you have available) into the slot where the pinch bolt was? That will help spread the hole some and should help it come out.

 

[KaiserM715]

I will give that a try. Access to the back is not very good, but I will see what I can get back there.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Start with penetrating oil, then take a hammer and tap upward on the ball joint. Not too rough but the impact will help break it loose. A cold chisel in the gap is a good idea too. Good luck.

 

[KaiserM715]

Success!! I used a WonderBar to pry the gap in the back open while I pried up with the pry bar. I did use quite a bit of penetrating oil throughout my previous attempts and I think that helped a lot. Thanks for the advice guys!!