Removing lower ball joint

2008 DODGE DAKOTA
78,000 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KYLE MASHITA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am unable to remove the nut from the lower ball joint. I cannot keep the spindle from rotating and can’t get enough pressure or clamp with vices to keep the spindle from moving to remove the kit completely. I’ve already lossened the top and bottom joints from the tapers.
Nov 27, 2019 at 8:19 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If this is a factory ball joint the tip of the taper should have a hex ground on it where you can put a wrench or pair of vice grips to hold the taper while you use a wrench to remove the nut. If that isn't there or it is rotted away you could take a sharp chisel and split the nut on both sides to get it apart. If you have access to a cutting torch you could cut the nut off as well. Once they are free of the seats those are about the only options unless you can get them to stick back enough. Usually the problem there is that any of the lubes or penetrant used to free the nuts make that difficult.
Nov 27, 2019 at 9:42 PM
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