Can't be easy can it! - Update!

[CUDA JAS]

working on my cuda front suspension rebuild tonight, I have one LBJ taper that just will not budge.  After trying the pickle fork and bj puller, I resorted to cutting off the bottom of the LBJ so it will fit in a press and it will still not budge!!!   

On top of that I am trying to get the Upper BJ out of the control arm...using the proper socket and an impact gun and it will just not move.   

I am just about ready to  :catfight: :hammer:

The upper I think I will take the controll arm off and soak the ball joint in something for a week to see if it will losen up.

The lower, I am stumped...other then a bigger press!! 

Any thoughts??

Not quite how I planned my night to go!!! :spank:

Jason

[73restomod]

For the upper and lower, as long as paint/powdercoat  isn't an issue, just use a torch. Heat them up, but no need to get red hot, normally.

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[Jesus H Chrysler]

   I've broken tools trying to separate parts that a little heat had falling apart.  If you don't have Oxy/Acetelyne you could probably get away with a simple MAPP gas torch that plumbers use.

[NCtrueconservative]

Had the same problem with my upper ball joint. Took the UCA out (was replacing bushings anyway) and heated that baby up with an acetelyne torch and it finally came out. I know they can be a massive headache!

[hooD]

Heating it will work wonders.  I spray penetrating oil on things stuck, apply heat with my torch and usually it comes apart the first time.   Good luck.

[CUDA JAS]

Thanks guys.

All I have is a little propane torch...I will heat up both parts with that and see if it works.

Jason

[spamtank]

Thanks guys.

All I have is a little propane torch...I will heat up both parts with that and see if it works.

Jason

Both pieces will heat up.  I would try to keep the heat on the LCA causing it to expand quicker than the ball joint.  That difference in expansion is what will help break it lose.

[CUDA JAS]

Both pieces will heat up.  I would try to keep the heat on the LCA causing it to expand quicker than the ball joint.  That difference in expansion is what will help break it lose.

Yep...I meant I will heat up botht eh LCA and UCA and see it it helps.

Jason

[spamtank]

A trick I learned from my dad, and that I've had success with is tapping around the outside of a part with a hammer.  That will stretch the metal a very little bit, which may be enough to loosen time and rust's grip on it.

[CUDA JAS]

OK...50% success rate today.

Tried some heat on the LCA today, put it in the press (this is the u-joint / bearing press that you can rent at various places) tightned it up with the impact gun and then gave the screw end of the press a whack with the BFH and the taper finally poped out!!!

The ball joint in the UCA, not so good...put some heat on it tried the impact gun, no luck, tried my breaker bar, and thougth is was moving, wrong, it was my breaker bar well breaking...yep snaped the 1/2 inch lug on my bar in half.  doh!! 

Oh well...keep trying I guess!

Jason 

[jimynick]

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