Help? Control arm wont Clear ball joint.

[Lazzman]

I am trying to replace my lower ball joint. I think I did everything correctly according to the directions. I had a tough time with the pickle fork and the ball joint, could not get it to break free.

Anyway I screwed out the Torsion Key adjuster to the point where it almost fell out. Then I jacked the control arm with my jack but the spindle part won't break free and comes up with the control arm. I can't get the ball joint above the control arm, what did I do wrong?

When using the Pickle fork I hit it very hard lots of times but only saw a little movement. When do you stop or know youve completed this.

Hope I can get it done tonight I have some things to do later and I need my truck.

 

[Lazzman]

Any help would be appreciated? I can't get the control arm over the spindle.

 

[IZwack]

do u have a 4wd or 2wd?

 

[Lazzman]

4wd, 2 door. 255/70/r16

 

[Blee1099]

I used these instructions http://www.haroh.com/explorer/ball_joint.html but then again I also used a C-Clamp balljoint tool to press it in and removed the hub nut so I could move the cv axle while working on the balljoint.

 

[Lazzman]

Do I need a front end alignment if I replace just the lower front Ball joint? It was defective when it was originally installed about 20k mi ago. I just replaced it.

Thanks-