Re: [FWDLK] Ball Joint Removal...

["The Holmgren's" <paulholm@xxxxxxxx>]

> Ron Waters wrote:
>
> Dave -
>
> Since I just went thru this for the 58 Plymouth, I'll outline my
> procedure.
>
> The ball joints are threaded and require a special socket, SnapOn
> S9365, to install/remove them.  DO NOT try to press them out, or
> you'll ruin the control arms.  You also need a 3/4 " breaker bar and a
> pipe to give you extra torque on the breaker bar arm.  Initially, they
> seem impossible to remove, but keep at it.  You may also need to apply
> a little heat.  I managed to remove/install them myself (on my other
> car, a 59 Dodge) using an industrial strength vice to secure the
> control arms.  It's a back-breaking job.  I recommend having a machine
> shop do the job for you.  I supplied my local machine shop with the
> socket and breaker bar. They did the removal/installation for $20 per
> ball joint.  I purchased the ball joints from Kanter for $100 for the
> set of 4, including the hardware kit, + $10 shipping.
>
> For torquing the ball joints to the steering knuckle, I used a six
> point socket on my torque wrench, although I wish I had a 12 point.
>
> Ron
>

This is easy to do IF YOU HAVE AN EIGHT FOOT pipe to slip over
the breaker bar. Hardly any effort required to turn the ball
joint out.
--
Paul Holmgren
Hoosier Corps #33, L-6
2 57 300-C's in Indy