Questions and Answers

Jeep Ball Joints Q. Mr. Ciulla, I have a 1988 Jeep Wagoneer XJ (Cherokee) with a moderate lift (3.5"). I live on a dirt road and the abuse that this vehicle has taken has worn out the ball joints. I am in the process of replacing them, but I am having a very difficult time removing the upper ball joint. It does not seem to want to budge.

I have looked for a spot were it might be spot welded on but did not see anything. Do you know of any tricks that could help me get these stubborn little guys out. I did purchase a ball joint removal insertion tool but it does not seem to be doing the job. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Bruce

A. There is no special trick or technique in removing the upper ball joints. They are, plain and simple, a pain in the ass to get out.

What I have done is to heat up the control arm around the ball joint and use the tool to press it out.

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