Removing ball joints

[MrTruck805]

hey all,

I’m trying to remove the driver side ball joints on my Dana 44. My plan for the top one was to soak it in kroil and then pound it out with the sledge. Question.... does the adjusting sleeve need to be removed first? (I don’t have that special spanner socket but can order one if needed).

I know there’s a snap ring on the bottom one, and I have the ball joint service kit, but pounding the top one out with the sledge seemed easiest to do first.... any tips or tricks I should know?

Thanks!

 

[frankin5]

You need the spanner wrench and a ball joint removal/ install tool. You can rent that tool at auto parts store for free.

 

[Bent77]

Air hammer. I push em out

 

[MrTruck805]

You need the spanner wrench and a ball joint removal/ install tool. You can rent that tool at auto parts store for free.

They can’t be pounded out without that adjusting sleeve being removed first?

 

[GreenieK30]

Top preload adjuster nut stays in the axle housing. Ball joints are attached to the outer knuckle. I use an air hammer to vibrate them out. Regular hammer and large punch also works.

 

[tRustyK5]

I use a ball joint press...sledge hammers are for steering arms, duh!