Trying to get my control arms out to get the bushings redone and I hit a dead end. I can't get the ball joints to come out of the steering knuckle. I pried, beat the bottom of them, rigged something to try and spread them like the tool in the Chevy manual but nothing. Parts store gave me a loaner tool, looks like a big C-clamp with lots of parts , but that ain't gonna work unless I'm missing something. Looking for ideas on what to do. Gotta get it apart so I can get it back together.  Thanks

The "C-clamp" tool is for removing pressed-in ball joints from a control arm...not what you need!
You need what is called a "pickle fork". It slides in between the ball joint and the knuckle, and then you slam on it with a large hammer, hopefully missing your hand in the process. This will separate the two parts.
You can normally get by just hammering on the knuckle right at the ball joint, without any tools. Just need to hit it pretty hard.
Make sure you still have the nuts on the b-joints tho...you don't want the thing flying apart!! That front spring can be dangerous if not restrained!

                                                      Adams' Apple2008-03-29 20:34:03

Thanks Joel, I saw those tools in the parts store. I'll have to go back. I had the lower control arm off. Put it back to hold everything together trying to get the ball joints off. Strapped the spring and lowered the arm with a jack. Piece of cake.
I'll be beating on them forks tomorrow.
Your like a doctor on call, Joel. 

Jeff;

You might have to stack one fork on top of the other after one goes all the way up to the throat.

We used a 3lb sledge and both forks and 71Sharks brawn before finally getting it to separate.  You do need to be careful though, hammers and pickle forks are not forgiving to fiberglass.

I have also had a spring kick out on a 73 Malibu, it ain't fun.  Strapping is a very fine idea.

Good Luck!

Don't laugh, but use safty goggles when beating with the ball joint forks (pickle forks). When I get into the springs I wrap chains around them. I lock the chain ends together with a hardened pad lock.

Better safe than sorry...

If the head of the pickle fork is mushrooming (like a wedge does when splitting wood), stop and grind off the pieces that are deforming.  These become great shrapnel when you have to make "just one more hit"!

[QUOTE=dnv]Better safe than sorry...

If the head of the pickle fork is mushrooming (like a wedge does when splitting wood), stop and grind off the pieces that are deforming.  These become great shrapnel when you have to make "just one more hit"!


[/QUOTE]

So, should I be driving the forks in around the ball joint shaft like a wood splitting wedge to force it open?
Or, hold it in there and hammer down on the fork part on top of the steering knunckle until it breaks loose?

Hammer them in.  It will probably require a small sledge hammer and may take several hard hits to get them to break loose.   Loosen the nuts on top but do not remove the nuts until the joint comes loose.

Be prepared to beat youself silly..........you really need a hammer 3lbs. or larger. Eventually "Bing" they magically separate..........much cussing and blood flowing is optional on your part..........HAVE FUN!!!!! 

Hey I did mine last summer and like you I could not get the ball joint off. I took the whole thing to Les Schwab and they dd it for free.