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Ball Joints won't release

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 5:36 pm
by needforspeed150
I have a '66 that kind of inherited as in someone owed me money and the Toronado is all he had. lol well
I am replacing the drive shaft on the left(drivers side) I had done the Rt side earlier and it went pretty well. I converted it to a 67+ shaft because I couldn't get the boots that I needed. I now am doing the same thing to the other side and the ball joints will not come loose. I have tried all methods that have always worked and today even took the pickle fork to the lower and still no go. I am beginning to think I am going to just have to remove them with a torch and replace. Any Ideas. Using brass punch and big hammer no go. Several pullers I have , no go. Now ultimately the pickle fork is stuck.
Sometimes I love old cars and then sometimes....................
Ben

Re: Ball Joints won't release

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:12 am
by Otto Skorzeny
Yes, I was going to suggest a torch. I bet there is some rust in the rivets or between the mounting plate and arm.

Before going with the torch, mix up a penetrating solution of 50/50 ATF and Acetone. It works better than PB Blaster. Soak the crap out of it for days.

Re: Ball Joints won't release

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:45 am
by needforspeed150
Ended up cutting through the lower joint. The top came off fine. Ended up taking it to a machinist friend of mine and he said just was on way to tight. He got it off but sounded like a .44 magnum going off in his shop when it let go. No rust, just nice clean taper.
This car really hates me. :x

Re: Ball Joints won't release

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 3:21 pm
by Otto Skorzeny
Wow! that's amazing. I assume he pressed it out with not torch?