[DeTomaso] Techno Question: Lower front ball joints

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/20/12 6:48:36 PM, cengles at cox.net writes:

> Is there a nice way to remove the upper ball joint if it is required?  
> The only time I have
> done it is with the dreaded pickle fork tool.
> 

There are two ways to remove a ball joint or a tie rod end: 
A- Difficult & brutal-a large hammer in just the right spot made for 
pounding. Friendly taps only make you tired, so if this is your choice, slug the 
thing! Do not completely remove the ball joint nut before pounding; back it 
off about half way. The suspension will abruptly drop when the taper breaks 
loose. Pickle forks are a pre-WW2 tool, invented by rubber boot manufacturers 
IMHO.
B- Ridiculously easy: an air-hammer on that same pounding spot. You do need 
a compressor, though. If you've ever done Method A, you'll feel you wasted 
your life once you try the air hammer. The boot will be intact. Good luck, 
Chuck- J Deryke