Lower

Fig. 3 Lower Ball Joint Removal:

Fig. 4 Lower Ball Joint Installation:

1. Raise vehicle and support with jack stands under frame side rails.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly, then support control arm spring seat with a suitable jack.
3. Remove cotter pin and stud nut, then break ball joint loose from steering knuckle using tool No. J-23742 or equivalent. Inspect and clean the tapered hole in steering knuckle. If hole is out of round or damaged in any way, the steering knuckle must be replaced.
4. Guide lower control arm out of opening in splash shield, then position a wooden brake backing plate block between frame and upper control arm to block knuckle assembly out of the way.
5. Remove grease fittings, then press ball joint out of lower control arm, Fig. 14.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Refer to Fig. 15 and torque stud nut to 81 ft. lbs.