How to remove ball joint easier

[clb]

Please need some guidance
Attempted to remove front suspension to change the shocks to bilstein 5100 but failed because got stuck at removal the uca ball joint. I knew it can get jammed in there pretty good but all the hammering didnt work and even the tool i bought in case was useless because bottom arm wouldnt clear the bolt. I measured and it needs at least 3 inches of clearance. Anyone recommend better tool or tips tricks for ball joint? Why does ram have such a long ball joint bolt anyway? Jeez

 

[PurpleRT]

Are you using a dead blow hammer and smacking the the side of the spindle where it meets the BJ? Im also guessing you’re not swapping out the control arm are you? If so.. grinder go brrrrr on the balljoint.


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[HSKR R/T]

I bought this set and it worked fine

https://a.co/d/9FTt7Et

 

[PurpleRT]

Also use a grinder and grind down the opening on tool till it fits.


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[boogielander]

bigger hammer, much more strength.
smack it like it stole your girlfriend or caused all the problems in your life.

that usually does the trick for me. no i did not have my girlfriend stolen from me, before anyone says anything.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Pretty sure I just whacked it with a hammer.

 

[HemiDude]

As everyone has said, big-*** hammer. And safety goggles. Let us know if this doesn't work for you.

 

[clb]

Update on this, I bought a longer jaw opening ball joint remover and came out with such ease with 0 hammering. Got it all done today!
Top picture is all banged up passenger side from ridiculous hammering and bottom is unmarred driver side so clean! Learned proper tool is key

 

[Gren71]

Which tool did ya get?

 

[clb]

Which tool did ya get?

This one. Price is in Cdn fyi. I took that nut out which is removable which gave me ample room
Only thing is because its longer tightening the nut was done manually with a wrench but came out with ease

 

[maxmammele]

OMG. I had the same issue when replacing the shocks on my 2022 Big Horn. Got stuck on the passenger side at the same UCA ball joint and the truck was up on stands for two days until I could find a part that worked. I wailed on the passenger UCA to get the joint out to no avail. Even went so far and tore the boot on the ball joint trying to pry it upward, which led to me replacing the UCA’s on both the driver and passenger sides. Eventually, I went to Harbor Freight and bought this

https://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-63684.html

Yes it is categorized as a “puller” but I was able to mount it upside down so that the bolt that screws in pushed the ball joint bolt up and out of the UCA. I did have to use a rather long impact extension to reach the head in an awkward way but it did work. After the issues on the passenger side with the ball joint being so stuck, the driver’s side was a breeze with the tool I mentioned.