A-Arm Ball Joint Replacement

[RyanS]

I'm going to replace the ball joint in the rear A-Arm this weekend. I've heard various horror stories. Just wondering if anyone has any words of advice before I dive in. Thanks.

[mudrover]

Spray it with penatrating lube and let it sit overnight. Oh and have a torch handy if it goes bad. Half of them are quick 30 min job, the others turn into major pains. A press helps to nock the balljoint in and out of the arm. Good luck.

[TDI Guy]

I had to heat it with a torch then hit it with the BFH... Big Fuc$% Hammer. I pressed it back in. Not a big deal. Take the piece out and do it in a vice.

[RyanS]

Thanks for the info. I've got a local machine shop that says they can press the joint out/in, so I may take it there if I run into trouble (I don't have a torch available).

One other thing: Do you find it any easier to take this area apart by having the frame supported on stands or just leave everything on the ground? I'll be removing the trailing links as well so the axle will be connected to the frame only by the springs.

[redrover]

Ryan, I would first get the threaded portion seperated from axle tube. I loosened the castle nut and shifted back in forth in driveway between rev/forward. If that doesnt loosen it, try jacking up the upper control arms a little and then pound upwards on the threaded portion of old ball joint. When you have the ball joint seat out of vehicle , you will need to cut the ends of the ball joint flange off. This is the 3/16 thick area surrounding the two screws that hold the ball joint to seat. Then bridge it over a open vise and pound it out. A 93 might be rust welded in there. I added a little anti seeze copper compound to new joint and pressed back in. Use 2 long bolts to act as guides when pressing in new ball joint. I also found a piece of pipe with a inside dia that fits cleanly around the balljoint boot to act as a press collar. I will include a drawing of the cuts needed on old ball joint flange. JP

[RyanS]

JP - Thanks for the advice. Yeah, AFAIK it's the original ball joint so it may be stuck in their pretty good. I'm hoping this is one of those jobs that's not so bad once you actually do it. But it sounds like most people have to get a little aggro getting the old joint out.