What's the secret to removing the upper ball joints on my '74? I have the control arm out and in a vise, but can't unscrew the ball joint. Is there a special tool available or one that I can make to do this?

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It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

There is a special ball joint socket, available from a couple of suppliers, but the trick is to get a six foot hunk of pipe to use as a "cheater". These
babies are in very hard.

Ya, I was afraid of that. I've got it in my special Mattel vise and I'm sure it won't hold up.

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It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

It is a good idea to crack these suckers loose before you remove the A-frames from the car.

If the A-arms are already off, a big vice and a strong air impact wrench works good.
DD

OK Doc, good to know. I just ordered a ball joint socket from Just Suspension. I'll crack the other one before I take it loose.

_________________
It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

I had the ball joint out in about 2 minutes after the socket showed up at the door.
<img src="http://www.autoinsanity.com/Duster/frontend/P1010864.JPG"width=400>

One side is done:
<img src="http://www.autoinsanity.com/Duster/frontend/P1010866.JPG"width=400>

All Moog bushings, new U/L ball joints, strut rod ends, tie rod ends.
<img src="http://www.autoinsanity.com/Duster/frontend/P1010867.JPG"width=400>

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It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

I'm glad that worked for you...looks great! You'll love the way it handles, don't forget to get a good alignment when its finished.

I have been trying to get the ball joints out too but have been unable to get the socket. I have been using the 1/2 ton 4WD socket but it won't budge. It is still on the car. I have applied heat and penetrating oil. I looked on the internet for "Just Suspension" but can't find them. How can I get one of these please?? Thank you.

Mike

Just Suspension's phone number is 800-872-1548. They don't have a website yet.

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It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

A large adjustable pipe wrench also works. One with a 2' handle works very nicely.

Are most of you, who are doing suspension work, getting your MOOG parts from your local parts outlets, or is there a good on-line supplier with reasonable prices?

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Firm Feel at (1-800-firm426) or www.firmfeel.com has Moog suspesion kits. I just priced a kit for the 73-76 A-bodys since I have the 73-76 k-member. Price for kit is $275.00, 11/16 H/D tie rod kits are $150.00, $126.00 if ordered with suspension kit, and the off-set upper bushings kits are $80.00. Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone. I ordered the socket from Just Suspension yesterday. BTW, I also had tried the pipe wrench, even tried going from the bottom side where I had more grip space. I did not add a pipe though.

Mike