Hello all,

I am replacing the lower ball joints on my 4cyl 89 4runner and have run into a small problem.
My Haynes manual says that all you do is use your ball joint pickle fork or a 2-jaw puller to get the ball joint off. But, the documentation that came with the new ball joint (Moog), states that I need to take off the brake caliper, upper ball joint, outer tie-rod end, AND outer drive shaft including the freewheel hub.
What gives?

It is unclear how the lower ball joint will even have room to come out.
Has anyone done this before? I would really rather not take apart everything. I just want to replace the lower ball joint...

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

 

No.. you should be able to unbolt the nut from the lower ball joint, pop the joint free with the pickle fork, and remove the 4 bolts that hold it to the lower control arm.. Simple as pie..

 

Thats how i did it. Worked fine!

 

Thanks!
I had a mechanic buddy come by today and he said the same.
I just have to support the upper control arm and bang out the lower ball joint.

Thanks

 

You may need a BFH. Thats big FREAKIN hammer.