Hey everyone,

I'm in the last stages of my Joe Gibbs install but I can't get the ball joint apart! The pickle fork I have doesn't seem to fit over the joint correctly, I can't get it to slip all the way in. If you guys could help me I'd be forever greatful, I have to drive to the precinct today and IO need my truck!

Thanks again

Josh

BTW it's an '05 Ex-Cab 1500

 

Just hit the outside of the spindle with a big hammer as hard as you can, this will generally cause the ball joint to pop loose. It might take a coulpe of wacks

 

Should I have a jack under the control arm while I'm doing this? Jacked up to hold the arm a little bit? Or should it just be hanging loose? (The spring is compressed)

 

Ya, that would be wise

 

Ok well hitting it still isn't working. The stud is connected to the a-arm and goes through the spindle right? I've got the a-arm jacked up just a bit but that damn stud won't come out!

 

I had the same problem. Just remove the two bolts to the control arm. Make sure you have a jack under there also.

 

I dont think you understand how hard you actually have to hit the spindle.

You need a HUGE sledge hammer for this. DO NOT use a pickle fork.

HUGE hammer.

Got it?

I can not say this loudly enough. You need a huge hammer.

 

I tried a pickle fork, put a hole in the rubber part. Yea I know, you dont have to say it.

Bauker,I was actually thinking about taking the 2 bolts out of the control arm. I would just take those out, then slide the spring out? Reverse for install?

 

Yupp. It's easier than you think.

 

Finally got it, and boy is my entire body sore. After air-hammering those rivets out to holding half that control arm up. I'm happy with the results, though I'd charge someone $1,000,000 to do it again.