Removal Procedure

Raise and suitably support lower control arm with safety stands. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
CAUTION: Refer to FLOOR JACK CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
Because the weight of the vehicle is used to relieve spring tension on the upper control arm, position the floor stands between the spring seats and the ball joints of the lower control arms.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.

Fig 1: Removing Tire And Wheel Assembly (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.
Remove the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT SINGLE PISTON or BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT DUAL PISTON in Disc Brakes.
Remove the cotter pin.
Remove wheel speed sensor electrical connector from upper control arm.
Disconnect wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Remove the upper ball joint stud nut.
Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using J 23742 .
Apply pressure on the tool until the stud breaks loose.
Remove the J 23742 .
Pull the ball joint stud away from the steering knuckle.

Fig 2: Separating Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle Using J 23742 (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rivets from the upper ball joint.
Use a 3.175 mm (1/8 in) drill in order to cut a 6.35 mm (1/4 in) deep hole in the center of each rivet.

Fig 3: Cutting 6.35 mm (1/4 in) Deep Hole In Center Of Each Rivet (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Drill away the rivet heads. Use a 12.7 mm (1/2 in) drill.

Fig 4: Drilling Away Rivet Heads (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Punch the rivets out. Use a small pin punch.

Fig 5: Punching Out Rivets (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper ball joint.

Fig 6: Removing Upper Ball Joint (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.