Welp... I
attempted to replace the lower ball joint on the passenger side. I replaced the driver's side one a couple of weeks ago, but weather and other commitments have prevented me from doing the passenger side. Today - I had no issues UNTIL I got to where I was trying to separate the steering knuckle from the hub... WHOEVER designed this needs to be put out to pasture. The ball joint is apparently corrosion welded to the aluminum knuckle, and I can't get it out. I've tried several different pry tools, a ball joint separator (which didn't fit - it only goes to 2" wide and I need one that can go at least 2-3/4" wide to fit over it and the knuckle), and pretty much cursed it, yelled at it, smacked it with three different size hammers, used a pickle fork on it, lubed it with penetrating oil, and cursed and yelled at it some more. It refuses to budge. I've given up for the moment. I have a better ball joint separator arriving tomorrow EVENING - but I don't think I'll have time to work the problem before it gets dark... Needless to say, I am beyond frustrated. I do NOT have a blow torch to try heating it and letting it cool while beating it with a hammer. As of right now, my truck is not driveable, even if I put everything back together, the ball joint is completely shot and needs to be replaced. Some pics for entertainment of the little B*STRD.
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