Upper 'A' Arm removal

I'm in the middle of removing the upper and lower "A" arms and the upper are giving me a little trouble and thought I moght be missing a big step. I have the spindle removed and the two bolts removed on the upper "A" arm but I cannot slide it off those long bolts. I hope I dont have to pull the engine to do this. Someone please telling me what I'm doing wrong.

It's a fairly tight fit and needs to come off straight. Time and a little rust are about all that should be holding it. Shoot some PB Blaster at the bolts and let it sit. Take a block of wood and tap on the ball joint end, it should work loose.

If you need more room to take the a frame out the alignment bolts have splines on them.You can knock them out just be carefull on the threads,or lift the a frame up you can see the bolts in the frame put the air gun on them to break them loose

Ok I got it, one side that is. Now I can't seperate the ball joint on the drivers side, I'm using a ball joint seperator tool and a heavy hammer but it's not coming apart. any thought other than a bigger hammer?

Bigger hammer is the key!
Steve

If it's the upper ball joint release your jack some to put some downward pressure on it,sometimes a balljoint fork won't work,you must hit the upper spindle knuckle to break it loose

Lynne, it's the upper ball joint, I better get a bigger hammer

i just did mine. Get a tie rod/ ball joint breaker, you should be able to rent one at any auto parts store. Move the radiator shroud out of the way to lift a- arms out.

also.. one thing ive found that helps..

if you have a second hammer to place on the other side of the joint. you dont strike with it.. just hold it against the back.. this forces the socket to expand in the perpendicular direction better.