How to remove tow ball from bumper

[golfboy]

Okay... stupid question... I've had a tow ball installed on the bumper of my Mountaineer for 3 or 4 years. I'm going to be doing some more serious towing this summer so I purchased a Hidden Hitch - and now want to removed the bumper installed ball.

Trouble is... it won't come off! When I turn the nut under the bumper the ball just spins and I can't figure out how to stop it.
I've attempted to use vice-grips to hold the ball in place, but the ball still spins and the vice-grips just shave some metal from the ball.
I've soaked the nut with PB, but it still won't break loose.

Anyone have ANY idea how to hold the ball still, so I can break this nut loose?

 

[big brown ford]

try a pipe wrench some would call it a monkey wrench to hold the ball. if that dont work use an impact gun

 

[golfboy]

try a pipe wrench some would call it a monkey wrench to hold the ball. if that dont work use an impact gun

Good idea on the Monkey Wrench, I'll give it a shot. How would an impact gun hold the ball?

 

[Joe Dirt]

I had a dented bumper when I bought my Ex, with a bumper ball. I did it the easy way...

1 trip the junkyard to retrieve a non-dented bumper with no bumper ball...

If/when you get it off there, I think I have a few bumper ball hole plugs rolling around the garage if you need one to cover the hole. (All are gray)

 

[golfboy]

I had a dented bumper when I bought my Ex, with a bumper ball. I did it the easy way...

1 trip the junkyard to retrieve a non-dented bumper with no bumper ball...

If/when you get it off there, I think I have a few bumper ball hole plugs rolling around the garage if you need one to cover the hole. (All are gray)

Thanks Joe... that might be the best alternative anyway. The bumper is pretty rusty - I'm planning on grinding off the rust and using POR15 on it, then repainting.
Might be easier to scrap/replace.

 

[gijoecam]

An impact won't hold the ball, but it may help in turning the nut.

A pipe wrench is the way to go. If it's been on there for 3 or 4 years, good luck. You're gonna need it!

If you can, take a wire wheel to the exposed threads below the nut and clean all the rust and gunk out of them. If they have corroded and swelled, cut them off right at the bottom of the nut and then try and remove it. You'll never force the nut over the threads if they've rusted and swelled.

 

[golfboy]

The Monkey Wrench worked!
Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[big brown ford]

good a stuck bolt can always ruin an easy job

 

[Alpha_Geek]

It once took us 5 guys, 2 big pipe wrenches, and 3 foot long cheater bars to get one off an old first gen X. May you faire better!