Replacing tension struts and ball joints today

[garrett.fell]

So - I've been sitting on these parts for a little over 2 months now. I've decided today is the day and I am about to start.

One thing I cannot find is the proper torque values for this stuff. I've been searching the forum and cannot find some of the stuff I found a couple months ago

I did find some of my handwritten notes from May. Does anyone know if this is right?

For the two bolts (each) that hold the ball-joint to the wheel carrier - 44#

For the single bolt that holds the tension strut to the ball joint. 59#

How about the bolt that runs through the big fat bushing? (Once the car is back on the ground and the suspension is "loaded")

Wish me luck.

[garrett.fell]

I'll take pics and try to document the process as much as possible.

[garrett.fell]

Stupid ball joint.....grrrrrrr

Can't get it out yet.

[Joshdub]

Do you have a pickle fork? They come in handy when it comes to dealing with ball joints.

[upallnight]

Go to the tool store on Harlem just north of I55 or to your local Auto part store and buy, rent or borrow a ball joint removal tool.

Or get a BFG and hit the knuckle where the ball joint goes into the strut, not a wimpy ball peen hammer or a carpenter hammer, but a 5 to 10 pound sledge hammer.

[garrett.fell]

I do have one. However I am past that point. I've got the joint popped off the arm ( and loosely reassembled) I am having a hard time getting the joint out of the knuckle.

I've tried air chisel, BFH, twisting it with a chisel. No go. That MF'er is stuck.....

[garrett.fell]

View from below with the tension strut removed.

[garrett.fell]

View from above. You can see where I've been air chiseling on it.

[garrett.fell]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Go to the tool store on Harlem just north of I55 or to your local Auto part store and buy, rent or borrow a ball joint removal tool.

Or get a BFG and hit the knuckle where the ball joint goes into the strut, not a wimpy ball peen hammer or a carpenter hammer, but a 5 to 10 pound sledge hammer.

You're taking about those expanding jaw type ball-joint-poppers right?

I've tried re-assembling it loosely and BFH'ing on the old strut to try and pull the joint out of the socket. No wimpy hammer here! It's one of those hand-held sledge hammers - maybe 2-3 pounds?

[garrett.fell]

Been reading other threads on this topic. Looks like I am not alone - some have it easy - some not. I am a bit reluctant to use heat on it. Lots of rubber around, etc - I don't want to ruin anything. I assume you try and heat the knucke-casting rather than the balljoint itself?