Don't have a pickle fork

[bimmer2288]

I'm removing the front struts, need to get the drop links or lollipops out of the bottom of the strut but I don't have a pickle fork. Any other ways that you guys have removed them successfully? (tried gentle tapping w/ hammer and using a block of wood and pounding, but no real movement yet)

[Quadrajet]

No gentle tapping. Take the balljoint nut almost off the stud. Then give some good smacks with your hammer, not on the nut but the lobe where the stud is. I use the nut to guard the threads, in case my hammer goes off track.

I also disconnect the swaybar mounts from the control arms for more "droop".

[Cletonius]

Remove the nuts all together, use a punch on top of the stud. Or spend $10 on a pickle fork. Well worth it.

[Holland]

No gentle tapping. Take the balljoint nut almost off the stud. Then give some good smacks with your hammer, not on the nut but the lobe where the stud is. I use the nut to guard the threads, in case my hammer goes off track.

I also disconnect the swaybar mounts from the control arms for more "droop".

This. You're going to want to hit this bitch hard. Conjure all the anger in your life and that might be enough. Find the most massive hammer you can find. Then give it a good pry with a long prybar.

[george graves]

No gentle tapping. Take the balljoint nut almost off the stud. Then give some good smacks with your hammer, not on the nut but the lobe where the stud is.

What do you mean by the "lobe"? I R dumb.

[deutschman]

I keep the nut on to protect the thread. Then use a heavy strong piece of wood over the nut and hit that fucker with a 5lb sledge. Believe me you dont want to damage the nut or the bolt. Pickle forks suck! If you get a tool buy one of these.

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-Joint-Separator/dp/B0015PN010/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366510283&sr=8-1&keywords=ball+joint+removal+tool

I know its $46 but you will use this again and again and it will pay for its self.

[Quadrajet]

Finally I think I have some pics that will load. You'll see what I mean by "lobe" now George.

Because of the taper, when you smack the side of the lobe, it forces the stud out. I usually use a 12oz ball pein for the outer balljoint and the tierod ends. The inners I use a worn out 12 bolt Truck axle shaft as a drift and smack the nut at the top of the stud. The hammer I use is a 5lb. When I reassemble I use antiseize on the studs to make removal easier.

[Farbin Kaiber]

http://www.toolsource.com/ball-joint-lifter-sgt61900-p-94669.html?gclid=COuNl5Pl2rYCFYU5QgodYyoAuQ&sourceid=googleps

$15.

Don't use a pickle fork.

[george graves]

Finally I think I have some pics that will load. You'll see what I mean by "lobe" now George.

Because of the taper, when you smack the side of the lobe, it forces the stud out. I usually use a 12oz ball pein for the outer balljoint and the tierod ends. The inners I use a worn out 12 bolt Truck axle shaft as a drift and smack the nut at the top of the stud. The hammer I use is a 5lb. When I reassemble I use antiseize on the studs to make removal easier.

Thanks - yea, I see what you mean. I tried that to no avail. Did end up making a good dent into the "lobe" after 10 hits or so - it just wouldn't work for me.

My only advice for a noobie working on suspension stuff - is you'll be amazed at how much you have to man handle stuff. So break out your big hammers and pry bars....

[Quadrajet]

Hmmm that's odd. Since I was shown that back about 15 years or so ago it's always worked. Bummer.

Also when I go about this I do. Outer tierods first, then I just snug them up. Then turn wheel to access the balljoints, then pop them. Also wedging a prybar in there to help the outer balljoints helps. Then unbolt the CAB mounts. You want all the striking energy to go to the lobe, and not let it just swing around.

[Cletonius]

My only advice for a noobie working on suspension stuff - is you'll be amazed at how much you have to man handle stuff. So break out your big hammers and pry bars....

And a torch. Don't be afraid to roast something to get it loose. I had to heat tons of bolts I removed from the underside of my car. I would still be trying to undo my brake lines if I hadn't used a little blowtorch on low.

[mr.vang]

I have spare nuts just for this.