I just bought a 97 F-350 with a gooseneck ball installed. I want to remove the ball, but I'm stuck as to how to proceed. The nut is welded to the crossbar below the bed. On the top side, the hexagon part of the ball shaft is below the bed.
How do I get the ball out? Is there a socket that can go over the ball?

I was thinking I'd have to weld a nut to the top of the ball, but I'm hoping there is an easier and more common sense way.

Thanks for you help.

 

I just looked again - the ball shaft is all round. There isn't a hexagonal part to put a wrench on.

 

If you could post a couple of pictures that might give us a better Idea of what we are dealing with and give you some advice on removing it..

 

Spray it good underneath on the threads and use a pipe wrech.
They usually arent that tight after you break it loose.

 

+1 Vinford
Use plenty of penetrating oil or WD-40 and a cheater pipe might come in handy also.

 

Yeah, that's what I used on mine, though on mine the nut was not welded to the mount. So my wife was under the truck with a 24" pipe wrench on the nut wedged against the chassis side rail and I was in the bed with my 36" pipe wrench. Came right out.

 

Can you knock the welds off with a chisel 'n hammer if it's only spot welded?

 

That about sums it up

 

possiblity you might put a little heat to it with a torch and give it a couple good wacks to help break it loose as well.

 

soaking it in PB for a few days, torching the nut, and a 10' cheeter pipe wouldn't get it to budge. We ended up cutting 2 corners off the nut. Even then it took the 10' bar to get it to turn.