I am in the process of installing Ground Force spindles on my 08 Silverado. I have everything apart except the lower ball joints. What is the secret to getting them separated? I thought a couple of whacks with a BFH would do the trick but they haven't budged.

 

are you hitting it on the side?...should pop right off

 

I sure am. I just tried it again.

The upper popped right apart with a couple of hits from a ball peen. I tried that and a 4# hammer on the lower and it won't budge. I am hitting it on the flat spot right near the ball joint.

 

hit it harder.

 

damn that usually does it on all the ones I worked on

 

Keep hitting it, mine popped out with minimal effort. Make sure you have the castle nut loose.

 

I just tried it again and it won't come loose. The nut is loose and backed off.

Does anyone know what the J-tool number is to separate the lower ball joint? Maybe I can find a deal on one.

 

I prefer a 10lb sledge for stubborn balljoints, but have had great luck with the picklefork. Just be careful with the placement of it and you wont rip the boot

 

ya last resort is a pickle fork, push the boot upward if you can

 

J 43631 separator and J 45851 protector/adapter