ball joint nut removal

[joeydirt]

whats a good way to remove it without damaging the bj? Im trying to crack the lower loose so I can change the springs on my c20 but they wont budge. First off are there not reverse thread are they? I soaked it in pb last night, I just heated the nut....just a little bit so I dont damage the bj.

[dougf]

Nope, they are not reverse threaded. Make sure all of the cotter pin has been removed and try to get some leverage on the nut some how. Another issue may be the ball joint is spinning with the nut. I had to use a large breaker bar for mine. After the nut starts to loosen, make sure you leave the nut on until you separate the ball joint from the spindle. I used a jack under the lower control arm and about 30 smacks with a 3lb hammer later they separated and I was able to slowly lower the jack and remove the spring. Good luck!

[414banger]

i just did the lowering springs on my 65 and i could not get the cotter keys out so i cut the ends of the key off slipped a 15/16 wrench on it with another wrench for a cheater and the nut broke right loose then i just took an awe and drove the remains of the cotter key out

[61_FL_Apache]

I replaced my uppers and lowers not long ago and needed a pipe on a breaker bar to get mine loose.. They needed a little more than just the breaker bar.

[joeydirt]

how do you lock the steering? is it ok to just turn it to the end?

[Tx Firefighter]

It's fine to rotate the steering to full lock. It gives you much more working room. The spindle bears against the steering stop on the control arm so there no worry about damaging the steering box or anything.

I usually pop the tie rod loose and swing it down before messing with the ball joints. Having it out of the way helps a lot with working room.
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[61_FL_Apache]

Just turn the wheel till it stops.
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