Popping lower ball joint loose

[hotrodsinner]

Please go buy a ball joint separator. They are cheap. Like 20 bucks. It will take care if you're problem in two minutes.

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by hotrodsinner

Please go buy a ball joint separator. They are cheap. Like 20 bucks. It will take care if you're problem in two minutes.

Ball joint is separated, not sure how that tool will get the LCA more clearance from the backing plate of the brake drum.

I did go to a couple of parts stores today to look for a ball joint separator. Didn't find one.

I live in a city of 27,000 in Northern Canada. Parts/tools aren't always easy to find.
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[hotrodsinner]

Sorry didn't realize where you were. Here in California they are readily available. If it were me I would just take the Control arm off. The U bolts at the base of the control arm, unbolt those, and the control arm will come off. Rebuild control arm with new ball joint, shaft, bushing, and end caps. Have the piece of mind of new essential parts.

[Xeen]

O'Reilly Auto Parts and other auto parts stores loan specialty tools like a ball joint separator, just call and ask them if it is available first.

[northerngmc]

An update.....

The LCA would not clear the drum brake backing plate and it was tight against the plate. So tight that the back plate was applying pressure and the hub would not turn. I decided that I would take out the 2 ubolts that hold the inner side of the LCA on.

Worked well. Spring out, spring in...... back together.

Even with the back side of the lower control arm detached the ball joint end will not pass by the bottom of the backing plate.

I will try the other side tomorrow using the 2 ubolts on the inner side.