Invincible lower ball joint - Help!

Long story short, I damaged the lower ball joint boot when replacing my suspension and need to replace it. I ordered a new ball joint and rented a press from Advance Auto, but this thing WILL NOT BUDGE! The thing is so stubborn I even bent the freaking C-clamp from the press kit. I now have my front steering torn apart with a now-unusable ball joint. Yes, the c-clip is removed. Any ideas??

 

Some heat around the arm and a lot of force should pop it. Toyota doesn’t technically sell the ball joint separate because they’re not the easiest to get out

 

I 2nd this. Apply some heat to that area.

 

I had to have a shop press them out. The shop was pissed because they broke something on the press trying to get it out. When they gave it back they said this is why they don't do 1 tons. I told them it was off a tundra. They just looked amazed.

 

i've gone full ape on one and gotten it out with a 4lb brass hammer.. but it was in a pinch and i would NOT recommend doing that.

 

Thanks, all. I was about to just call it quits, put it back together, and limp into a shop and have them do it. However, when using the ball joint press tool, I apparently damaged the threads on the ball joint and can't get the castle nut back on without turning the whole ball joint. This seemingly-simple suspension swap has turned into a nightmare just because I wasn't careful and pierced the ball joint boot. Then good ol' YouTube made the ball joint replacement look easy with a press tool, but I guess 12-year-old joints are a little more stubborn... I'll try heating it up tomorrow and pounding it out...

 

Well, I tried everything, but that thing isn't budging. I was able to slap it back together so I can hobble into a shop, but there's no way I'm getting it out. Now the next question is whether the shop will be able to get it out, or if I'm going to have to get an entire new lower control arm and have them install it. I should have just paid the $360 for the shop to install my suspension!

 

Why not just replace the lower control arms complete?

 

12 yrs bushings probably well worn anyway.

 

That's my plan. I'm ordering a new LCA tomorrow and will just have the shop do the install assuming they can't/won't get the existing ball joint pressed out. I tried messing with those cam bolts when I did the suspension and there was just no way I was breaking them loose in my garage—definitely need a lift!

 

PB blaster penetrating oil and a good wrench push it with your foot.

 

Kroil and heat if you’re replacing the LCA. I’ve pulled cam bolts on a few Toyota’s and usually Kroil by itself does it. Soak it early and often. I see you’re in Oregon so no salt here.

 

So I finally gave up and just replaced the whole LCA. At least that way I have OEM parts. Anyway, the shop marked the cam bolts and lined them back up when installing the new LCA, and the mechanic said he didn't think it needed an alignment. I feel like it drives straight and it doesn't look off visually, but should I get one just to be safe?

 

Just watch your tires for a few thousand miles. Wear will talk.

 

I recommend getting an alignment done every time you work on your LCA, UCA and steering joints.

 

I second the alignment comment... tires cost too much

 

Thanks, all. I think I knew the answer, I was just secretly hoping everyone would say I don't need one. The local shop charges $60, so it's cheap insurance to prevent uneven wear. Thanks again!