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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Federal Way
    Posts
    906

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

    Got a lot done this weekend...BUT ran into another one of those things not incredibly obvious in the manual ("special tool with no helpful illustration..")...what's the trick to separating the spindle housing (this may not be the correct name) at the lower ball joint, and how to separate it from the the steering linkage?? (one pic each attached)


    Help is most appreciated!
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by dhbfaster; February 23rd, 2014 at 10:16 PM.
    Don Bartlett
    Federal Way, WA
    61 Four Door Sedan
    144-6, 3 on the tree



  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Fredrickson
    Posts
    977
    The special tool used is called a "pickle fork". Basically two side by side wedges that are driven into the joint with a hammer. The joints "stick" together because the shank of the ball-joint is tapered. I have a pair of them you would be welcome to use. I am located in S. Everett, but could meet you somewhere. Actually, I have an errand to run sometime this week in the Totem Lake area.
    Last edited by SmithKid; February 24th, 2014 at 11:30 AM.


    Gene Smith
    Fredrickson, WA
    '65 Ranchero Deluxe
    302, EFI, 4-Spd
    Granada Discs

  3. #3
    Orielly auto parts will loan you tools for free....jh

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Federal Way
    Posts
    906
    I thought that might be the tool...and it sounds like using it is pretty simple and fortunately looks to be almost a cheap to buy it at sears or harbor freight at as to drive up to borrow it. Do you know what sizes I would need for the tie rod and lower ball?

    By the way...thanks for bringing my parts back from Steve's...I really appreciate it.
    Don Bartlett
    Federal Way, WA
    61 Four Door Sedan
    144-6, 3 on the tree



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Sequim
    Posts
    2,117
    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.
    63 Sedan Delivery
    5.0 HO EFI AOD 8" rear

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Federal Way
    Posts
    906
    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...
    Don Bartlett
    Federal Way, WA
    61 Four Door Sedan
    144-6, 3 on the tree



  7. #7
    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?
    Roger Moore

    63 "Flarechero"
    powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear



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