removing lower control arm

[info4all]

I am try to swap out the lower control arms and have not had much success at the removal bit. Is there a trick or a special tool to get these things off?

Thanks

[Pu241]

Need some details, which end are you having issues with?
Hope you used PB Blaster on all the parts espeacilly the hidden caged nut.
An impact wrench helps.

[info4all]

The spindle end is the side I am having issues with Everything else is off the arm. I have the bolt and nut off but the pin is not coming out of the whole. I have hit it with some sea foam and I still can't get it out. Some one mentioned that there is some type of fork that I should use. Is that true? If so I will go and get it today.

Thanks

[festivaWES]

ball joint separator which can be bought at your local autoparts store for 8-12 bucks.

[Pu241]

WES, is right or use a chisel and tap it into the spit between the halves of the were the pinch bolt goes.
This should widen it up enough that it releases the ball joint.
Just did mine about a month ago!

[info4all]

success!!!

Yeah I tried the chisel trick and heat and a prybar but no success. I then went to 3 part stores before I found one (auto zone and o'reilys were out but harbor freight had them (and I should have guessed because it is my favorite store in town)) got home and within 15 minutes with a 4 pound bfh and my new found tool I was final able to separate the ball joint. What a wounderful name for that tool

Thanks for your help!!

[Pu241]

Congrats!
But I've never had one that bad!
Usually it's the other end I have issues with!
Had to use a sawzall one time and cut the big bolt that attached the control arm to the body in three pieces and then drive out the part with the caged nut!
That was a lot of fun!

[Unco]

sledge hammer. loosen the nut but leave the nut covering the end of the thread, to avoid hitting and damaging the thread. good couple of hits does the trick.

[hoggius]

ever see the movie holes

Being a member of the great state michigan, I've actually had to cut a hole in the subframe and weld the nut. I then took a piece of metal and welded it over the hole that I cut.. You gotta love michigan!!!!!

[jglutz]

just a comment....sometime it helps to push the control arm up into the knuckle...either by hammer or by jack....however, this can make the control arm un-usable.