Front Suspension- ALMOST as easy as it looks...

**doghows** · February 24th, 2014, 12:50 PM

You could also try plan B. I usually smack the area surrounding the ball joint with a BFH. There is a flat spot on most of the spindles that is actually made to do this. Of course the pickle fork works well too I'm just too lazy to go get one.

**dhbfaster** · February 24th, 2014, 12:55 PM

BFH was my first tool of choice! Of course- maybe I didn't use it right, but I didn't want to beat it up any more or break it...

**Luva65wagon** · February 24th, 2014, 01:25 PM

Usually the BFH works well when there is an opposing force (like a spring or gravity) to let the thing "let go" when the shock is applied.

Using a pickle fork is what most use if you don't plan on saving anything that is replaceable, since it will probably damage grease boots and often the joints themselves if you are not careful. In other words, you will likely be replacing all of these parts. The BFH method will often allow reuse of things (ball joints, tie-rod ends) if needed and in good shape.

Can't tell from the pictures. You have the coil spring out already?

**SmithKid** · February 24th, 2014, 02:28 PM

All of above is true. I was planning to replace all my ball joints (my front-end was terrible) and didn't even consider that you may not be in the same mode. Sorry. I agree though, that the pickle fork should be the last resort as it will tear up the seal almost assuredly.

**dhbfaster** · February 24th, 2014, 03:02 PM

I was planning to reuse everything unless it looked bad-plan was to clean, powdercoat or paint, and replace anything that needs to be replaced. (These do seem ok-so I was hoping to keep them.)
I do have the spring off already (working/learning one side at a time...the other side is still on.) I wondered if the fork would damage the boot...so is there a certain place I should brace it and then focus the hammer on?

**doghows** · February 24th, 2014, 04:06 PM

Put a smaller hammer on one side of the joint and smack the other side with the big one.. The joint being the part the tapered tie rod goes into. I got away with holding mine up in the air and let the weight if the part hang smacked it a few times and viola it came apart.