ball joint removal

[SkylineNXS]

So i started to replace the ball joints on my 66 today. The drivers side was done when i bought it, so i just have to do the passangers side. I figured the top ball joints bolted onto the a arm just like the drivers side, and then i looked and there pressed on or whatever you would call that, one really big rivet? Anyway, does anyone know a good way of getting these "bolts" out? I but off the top of one of them, which took a while with the crappy dremel i have, and i still coldnt punch it out. Any help is appreciated.....thanks

Brad

[poorboy]

I cut an X in the top of them until it just about touches the arm. Then I wack them off with my air hammer, but I'm sure a good size hammer and chisel will work too.

[Frizzle Fry]

Angle-grinder!!!

[SkylineNXS]

Thanks guys, thats waht i thought. Im gonna go buy a better grinder, air powered, cause my dremel doesnt exatly cut it. Thanks......

Brad

[SkylineNXS]

So i got a highspeed diegrinder and a cut off wheel and took off all the heads on these "pressed" on pin things. Still nothing will move. THeres no clearence to really pound on anything and i cant get the bottom ball joint off either becasue the castle nut wont come off because the pin is rusted, it seams premanently, in there. Have any suggestions?

[SkylineNXS]

Finnally after trying repeatedly to get the ball joint free from the spindle, it came free. I was beatin on it with a good size hammer for about 20 min before it came off. I tried to remove that ball joint while the a arm was still attached, but that didnt do anything. So finally today i took off the a arm and drilled through the "pins" or whatever there called to get that damned joint off. Thanks guys.........

Brad

[poorboy]

Those are factory rivets. I take a hammer and a punch and hit them down. Takes a couple good hits for each one. It's good to hear you got it all done. The next set you do will be alot easier now.

[SkylineNXS]

Exactly. The nice thing is the PO allready did the opposite side, so i wont have to worry too much about that one. I swear i took about every tool that looked like i could hit to those rivets, and they wouldnt move for nothin. I eventually gave up and just drilled em......

Brad