Ryan Biggs wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I've had my '88 2dr 5spd for 7 years now and have done almost all my
> own work on it. I don't have much experience with suspension work,
> however, and now it's time to dive in. I need to replace the front
> axles, and I figure I might do the shocks since I'm in there already.
> (They don't seem too bad, but they are original.)
>
> Anyhow, I'm having trouble separating the ball joints from the lower
> arm. These were replaced a couple of years ago, so I'm trying not to
> trash them. The shop manual talks about a gear puller on lugs on the
> arm, but they always seem to slip off. I also tried a puller with the
> arms seated on the top of the arm, outside the boot. But it's very
> difficult to keep the puller straight, and it still seems to pull off
> at the slightest provokation. I got frightened I was going to tear
> some parts up in a serious way trying this method.
>
> Seems like maybe a lever type ball joint remover might do the trick,
> but the biggest jaws on these seem to be about 22mm. Using a caliper,
> I found that the smallest jaw that would fit easily without forcing it
> under the boot is about 30mm. I'm a bit afraid to try to ram anything
> under that boot! Also I hear about various ways to separate the works
> with creative use of a hammer, but this seems dubious when separating
> good parts.
>
> I know this can't be that impossible, so obviously I'm just missing
> the secret trick. Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Ryan

yes, go to tegger.com and look at the tools this job requires. he's got
pics. they're not too expensive and don't ruin your boots.