Which ball joint splitter to use

Coupe66 · Post by **Coupe66** » Mon Sep 07, 15 10:20 am

Hi all,

I need to replace the ball joints inner & outer on both track rods on a 68 Charger. Does anyone know what 'size' pickle fork or ball joint separator I need, I've looked on ebay and there are a number different sizes.

Cheers - Mike

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Mon Sep 07, 15 11:09 am

I use an 8 inch pickle fork

Coupe66 · Post by **Coupe66** » Tue Sep 08, 15 7:27 am

Thanks' Rebel,

I'll get straight onto ebay and see what offerings they have.

Cheers - Mike

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Tue Sep 08, 15 8:24 am

I have only ever used a universal one - as long as it clears the taper on the ball joint. Cheap and cheerful. I tried a "screw in" type once but that did not work for me.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue Sep 08, 15 9:15 am

undo nut slightly and hit the end of the crosslink or balljoint arm 3 times with a BFH. (big hammer)

if that doesn't work

relax have a cup o tea.

Then resume the prone position
and do it again.

pickle fork is effective but it knacks the seals.

the original seals are often better than the rubbery flubbery or urethane they put on new joints.

if the seals are ripped by all means fork away

Dave

latil · Post by **latil** » Tue Sep 08, 15 9:24 am

Where there's room I use 2 hammers,slacken nut and clout each side of the taper at the same time.

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Tue Sep 08, 15 10:50 am

I have a selection of them, screw type, scissor action and pickle fork. I've seen the hitting of the arm with a BFH on TV and YouTube countless times, it never works for me though, it's not like you can do it the wrong way is it. Something satisfying about belting a pickle fork though

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Tue Sep 08, 15 11:52 am

Rebel wrote:I've seen the hitting of the arm with a BFH on TV and YouTube countless times, it never works for me though, it's not like you can do it the wrong way is it.

What he said^

morgan · Post by **morgan** » Tue Sep 08, 15 12:08 pm

It does work. BFH when done correctly will just make the joint jump off.
I have resorted to pickles when dont care if survives.

drewcrane · Post by **drewcrane** » Tue Sep 08, 15 2:59 pm

Yea BFH,can take a few whacks or sometimes just one or two.

Bozwell · Post by **Bozwell** » Tue Sep 08, 15 5:58 pm

get one of these splitters.

best ball joint splitter iv'e ever used. fully adjustable and dont go with a bang when the joint lets go.

hitting with a hammer does work but it'll leave dents.