Ball joint time soon

[The patriot]

Did 1 side.
The steering method was a no go. BFH and a lotta swings. Along with some air hammering.

When I do the other side, I'm loosening the 4 bolts that go through the bearing assy, then I'm going to drop it on the wheel. THEN it should go w/o a problem.:-laf
I'm serious. I could have driven that thing around w/o the bolts holding the bearing assy on the knuckle in the 1st side.:{

 

[FHerault]

Years ago I've weld a puller that was bolted to the 8 studs.
The unit was so frozen in the knuckle that it felled off in two pieces, but one of the pieces was always in the knuckle... Then I discovered to use the power steering (thanks TDR) and I will not go back.
Have fun !

 

[JR]

Did 1 side.
The steering method was a no go. BFH and a lotta swings. Along with some air hammering.

When I do the other side, I'm loosening the 4 bolts that go through the bearing assy, then I'm going to drop it on the wheel. THEN it should go w/o a problem.:-laf
I'm serious. I could have driven that thing around w/o the bolts holding the bearing assy on the knuckle in the 1st side.:{

People that recommend the steering wheel trick don't live in the rust belt :{

 

[The patriot]

Yup.
I've seen all sorts of pullers etc on youtube etc. Some pretty pricey.

Use what you have. The weight of the truck.
Just to be sure, I'm going to penetrating oil the crap outta it. Weeks in advance.
But if you back off on those 9/16" 12 point bolts a couple turns, then drop it on the tire... I'm sure it'll give.

 

[FHerault]

After numerous sessions of beating and hammering, the steering method has worked well for me several times, it's all I wanted to share, ...and I also put a good amount of anti-seize in the knuckle when I install the new unit !

...and my truck is in East Canada for more than 20 years so be sure that it knows very much about rust