I'm replacing the upper and lower ball joints on my 1978 F150. Upon removal of the upper joint, I see there is a thin sleeve in the hole. Is this supposed to come out or stay in? It's very thin, but does not want to come out for anything. I would provide a pic, but can't remember how to do so on this site. Thanks.

 

If you are referring to the truck in your profile it would have a HP Dana 44 reverse rotation disc brake front axle. The thin sleeve you are referring to has 4 slot for a special tool that sets a specified pre-load to upper ball joint after bottom one is torqued to factory specs. I have seen these bushings completely egged out in some 4-wheel chevy trucks. The tapered bushing is threaded in the upper C casting and should spin up or down with 4 prong wrench sold at most parts stores. Once you free up the tapered bushing anew one is supplied with most upper ball joint replacements. You man need to soak with penetrating oil and also need to apply some heat to get it to move freely. I hope this answer the question for you.

 

That's it! Makes sense. I found the spanner socket at O'Reilly's. Thanks a bunch.

 

PB Blaster is your friend. Those things like to stick in there. Put a little grease on the new one to prevent it seizing up in there in case you have to do this again down the road.