true, i've had to do this. works a treat. still gotta get those ball joints off the steering arm

the go is to use Stanza (or Sunny) control arms complete with ball joints and steering arms. They will bolt in to the 120Y with no mods, and the 200B strut will bolt to those steering arms.

well you see im trying to get my 200b struts to fit but i need to put the old 120y tie rod end on the 200b strut thing so i can steer, now i know the size if the tie rod end is diffent but if i can det them off i can go see some people i know who can sort it out for me, as for the hit it way what bit do i hit obviosly not the thread (no i didnt try it)thanks everyone.

Lemonhead's "old school" balljoint breaker.

Photo of Balljoint Breaker

oh! i didn't know he was planning on keeping the ball joint - i thought it was being replaced with a new one.

if you're keeping it, then don't BASH it like i suggested. if you're replacing it, then go for it.

Quote:
You need a good ball-peen hammer for the job. The impact of the hammer needs to distort the taper of the arm (the part you're hitting) in order to pop it off the balljoint's shaft. The smaller contact point will require significantly less effort (and do less damage) to achieve this than a mini-sledge or club hammer.

On a Datsun strut front end, this process can damage the balljoint itself if the steering arm is not held securely, either by reconnecting the strut, or by removing the assembly and holding the arm in a vice. But it is unlikely you'd need to remove the arm from the balljoint unless you are replacing the balljoint.

I'm with converted on this one....I have a tool which sounds just like converted described. I use it for tie rod ends too.....and it cost a grand total of about $11 from the local parts store.....best money I have ever spent. It's basically a wedge with the centre cut out to make a fork. You line it up with the tapered bit in the fork and hit it with a hammer (can take some punding!)...and hey presto....she pops off.

definately just bash dude, but as ange said don't bash down on the thread or she's a gonner. bash on the section of metal surrounding the tapered bit of the ball joint.

pro240c..I cracked up when i read your advice on BASHING the balljoint. I was thinking exactly the same thing before I read this thread.

Bashing both sides (at the same time...requires co-ordination) with 2 hammers..that's the way!

as tempting as it might be DONT bash the thread in the hope that it will drop out... becuase you WILLl damage it before it comes out...