I am trying to get my spindles off my '66 for a brake swap. I can't get the lower ball joint loose from the spindle. I rented a ball joint and tie rod tool but still no luck. I have also hosed it down with liquid wrench and let it sit. Any of you out there have a suggestion?
Put the castle nut loosely on the ball joint. Turn the spindle to the side so the meatier part is seen. Get a 4lb mini sledge and bang right at the joint. It will pop off.
Hence the term Ford tool
Almost anything steering/suspension related comes off with a small sledge. Dont be afraid to whack it hard.
I've used TampaStang's method many times and it works very well even though it seems primitive. You will have to bang repeatedly around the stud socket for as long as half an hour for a really stuck stud, but it works. Don't frustrate yourself with so-called specialty tools, just be patient and persistent.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of the hammer being heavy. If it's not coming apart, find the heaviest hammer you can swing. The weight of the hammer will do the work for you.
Thanks to all who replied. I brought my dad outside and had him swing the sledge while I held the ball joint remover. Half a dozen swings later it popped right off. My new problem is the lower ball joint is too big to fit into the spindle. I took the spindles and lower ball joint down to the machine shop to have them machined. Hope this works.