Lower ball joint removal on 04 Explorer

[eallanboggs]

Can I get the lower ball joints out with the "C" clamp style press or by beating them out on an 04 Explorer? Tried doing a Search on this, but it's not working currently. The Haynes and Clymer manuals say the ball joints are not removable so the entire arm has to be changed out. The manual also said that about the earlier Explorers too, but I was able to get them out with a 3lb. maul thanks to some suggestions I got on this forum. I pushed the new ones back in with the big "C" clamp ball joint tool. Couldn't get them out with the tool because of the way the control arm is shaped(tool wouldn't mount flush to the arm face). That's why the 3lb. maul was used, but it works as long as the arm is supported while you're beating on it. I know this sounds rather crude, but the old ball joint is shot anyway(that's why you're replacing it). My question is has anyone been able to get the ball joints out on an 04 using either the 3lb. maul method or the "C" clamp? I don't know if Ford changed the shape of the lower control arms on the newer Explorers so you can get the tool to mount.

[steve(ill)]

i have not done the 2002-2004 EXP, but the book said you cant change them on my F150, and i did. First go to Auto Zone and ask about the replacements, If they sell them, you can get them out. i bet yes.