When removing the lower ball joint, is there a special tool, like a puller that is supposed to be used? I think these new ball joints are straight, not tapered like old ones. Also, won't using a pickle fork tear up the boot?

 

I used a pickle fork and it tore the boot. I didn't care though because I was completely rebuilding the front end.

 

Hit with a hammer
There is a tool to remove it from the a arm though...

 

 

To remove it from the LCA when me and my dad lowered my truck we used a few tools.. Mostly a cut off wheel, an air chisel(various attachments), and a BFH.

We cut an X in each of the rivets holding the ball joint in, then air chiseled the rivet heads off and would punch through with the chisel with a punch bit. Its a pain in the ***. Afterwards we used the 1/2" bolts from belltech to bolt new one on. I believe the bolts were red locktite'd and torqued to 65-85lbs.

-Lurius

 

they are tapered (i've replaced them both)