Replacing tension struts and ball joints today
 

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.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/9y7avany.jpg

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

Stupid ball joint.....grrrrrrr

Can't get it out yet.

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

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.

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.....

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/10/tase7a6y.jpg

View from below with the tension strut removed. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/10/zaraga9a.jpg

View from above. You can see where I've been air chiseling on it. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/10/tyme6yha.jpg

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?

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?