Lower ball joint replacment???

[Arsoncop]

I worked my a** off Sunday trying to replace my lower ball joints on my 1998 Explorer 4X4 6 cyl. SOHC, I replaced the upper with little to no troubles, but D***, the lower ones never moved. I even dented the top of the left one with the press. I rented a ball joint press from Auto Zone and broke a socket trying to turn it. I removed the snap ring. never got it to move, so I reinstalled everything and was only able to complete the upper ones. Now I need to get an alignment. Can anyone give me advise, or do the joints even come out. I heard they are made in the control arm and you have to replace the whole control arm. Thanks

 

[nssj2]

press wouldn't get mine out, but a 4lb slege did. just beat the living daylights out of it, itll move eventually.

 

[Cobraguy]

Or you can replace the entire lower control arm assy and get the benefit of new bushings while you're at it. Dorman makes 'em...but I don't know about quality. I believe it's Spicer who makes them too.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Or you can replace the entire lower control arm assy and get the benefit of new bushings while you're at it. Dorman makes 'em...but I don't know about quality. I believe it's Spicer who makes them too.

It has been my experience that Dorman=Crap.