lateral link removal

[sculptor310]

What tools are you guys using to remove the lateral link ball joint? Mine won't budge and most of the ball joint removal tools I find don't fit. (Trying to install the Steeda bumpsteer kit)

Thanks!

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[BmacIL]

What tools are you guys using to remove the lateral link ball joint? Mine won't budge and most of the ball joint removal tools I find don't fit. (Trying to install the Steeda bumpsteer kit)

Thanks!

I tried with various tools and ended up having to take it to a shop. What I would try is holding up the knuckle by the tension link, and hitting it with a big sledge (8+ lbs). Shop used a combination of that and impact hammer.

 

[thelostotter]

I have a pitman arm puller from one of the local auto parts stores that was pretty inexpensive. They have two sizes; the bigger one barely worked. I had to use an angle grinder and remove quite a bit of material from the arms so that it would fit.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ols-evertough-pitman-arm-puller/67025/4700243

 

[sculptor310]

So you cut the threaded bolt sticking up so that it would fit in the puller?

 

[thelostotter]

I shortened the bolt on the puller slightly by grinding off the nipple and test fitting it on the car. Keep in mind the surface of that bolt on the puller needs to be as flat as possible since the nipple is removed it makes it more prone to slipping off the stud as you tighten. I felt that was easier than trying to shorten the lateral link stud.

 

[sculptor310]

Okay. I'll give it a try.

 

[sculptor310]

If you posted a pic of the puller mod, I'd be grateful. Thanks!

 

[thelostotter]

 

[sculptor310]

Thanks!

It looks like you also had to grind down not only the bolt, but also the casting.

 

[Dr. Norts]

You can get Kits on amazon for pretty cheap. Even cheaper If you know the exact size you need as you can also buy them individually.

Here's the kit

 

[NightmareMoon]

I used a hammer/sledge to the side, and a heavy duty deep socket to tap down on too. Not much drama.

 

[CoolRod]

It'll come. I had to use a BFH and a pickle fork to separate mine. Also leave the factory nut on the ball joint and use a BFH to separate. And when you install the new Steeda later links, the new ball joints will leave some of the tapered shaft exposed (unlike the factory joints that are drawn all the way up into the knuckle).

 

[strengthrehab]

I'll be attacking this soon. So many ways to skin the cat so to speak. Hopefully I can get this done. I don't want to pay a shop to do it.

 

[BmacIL]

Mine required impact hammer and/or big sledge.

 

[Tuxedomouse]

I fought mine for for more than an hour, wouldn't budge. Buttoned it back up, drove it around and put it back up on the lift with the brakes nice and hot, must've heated up the spindle/knuckle too, it popped right off.

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