I just put on my suspension and it is riding a little low. I want to add SPC spacers but I'm having trouble removing the lower ball joint from my ATS spindles. I do not want to use a hammer like I did with the old suspension becuase I'm afraid I will damage the aluminum spindle. I'm not sure if a fork tool will damage the new grease boots. Any suggestion?

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/aarroyo87/spindle.jpg

http://www.howeracing.com/p-7588-ball-joint-spreader-tool.aspx

...or make your own.

That is a good suggestion. I may have to go down that route. Are there any home brew solutions?

I tried to make one of those tools and I ended up bending the bolt. I guess I need a hardened bolt. Any other suggestions?

that would be the best way but you could also try a small 2 jaw puller and put the jaws on the spindle and the screw on the ball joint.
what ever you do don't use a hammer!!!

Anyone try one of these? I would buy the Howe racing one but I do not want to wait for mail orders. I'm pretty sure I can find one of these locally.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/ProductDisplay?partNumber=00996404000P&storeId=10153&sName=Mechanics+Tools+&psid=FROOGLE01&vName=Sears+Pro&cName=Professional&catalogId=12605&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

I used a threaded rod coupling and two 3/4" bolts from local bolt & screw supply.
These bolts are short that I used on a short spindle, you will need longer bolts
for your taller spindle.
I drilled recesses in the heads of the bolts to help keep them in place.
Hope this helps,
Malcolm
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/67Mal_LS_012.jpg

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/67Mal_LS_010.jpg

Malcolm,
What a great idea. I ended up buying a 16 dollar tool and I broke it after first use. It did not even get the job done. I then bought the OTC ball joint separator and it is working fine. I got one side done, now i got to do the other side. I paid 70 bux for the tool. I hope I get to use it more so i can start to see the value.

-Albert is adjusting ride height today.

Malcolm,
What a great idea. I ended up buying a 16 dollar tool and I broke it after first use. It did not even get the job done. I then bought the OTC ball joint separator and it is working fine. I got one side done, now i got to do the other side. I paid 70 bux for the tool. I hope I get to use it more so i can start to see the value.

-Albert is adjusting ride height today.


Which tool did you end up with?

Guessing not the sears one given the price difference.

I bought an OTC made one. It cost 70 dollars and the tool is ink stamped with 513243. I bought it local to San Francisco CA. Here is a picture. It works pretty damn good too. Sure make the job easier.

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/aarroyo87/OTCBallJointSep.jpg

Forgot to mention... I did not buy it at sears. I bought it at Tool Mart in Daly City CA.

Forgot to mention... I did not buy it at sears. I bought it at Tool Mart in Daly City CA.

Thanks:thumbsup: