nope i remove mine with a wrench or a pair of adjustable's, once it starts lowering you will have more and more room, if you want to use an impact or socket wrench then yes you will have to remove it. now if the ball joint starts turning then you will have to get some vice grips in there to hold the ball joint while you remove the nut. heat may be necessary.

also just so you know the ball joint is pressed in so you will have to get it pressed out, and the new one pressed in. i tried to find a bolt in one but had no luck, there is a retaining ring under the dust boot that will need to be removed before you press it out


good luck hope it works out well

 

You only have to unbolt the strut from the hub. That will allow the hub to rotate down and give you enough clearance to get a wrench on there. To remove the ball joint get a ball joint removal tool and it will pop the joint right out. The new ones just slip right in and will get snugged down when you tighten the nut.

 

If you have an air compressor with air compressor tools (air chisel), then this tool is a wonderful attachment for your air chisel. A definate part of my air tool collection.
Amazon.com: Old Forge Tools (OLD1996) Ball joint Separater Air Chisel: Home Improvement

 

Thanks for the info. Glad to know I don't need to remove the axle from the hub.

 

if you remove the strut from the knuckle (what you've been calling a hub), you will need to realign the vehicle.

 

^ only is he has a camber kit, if its stock then he wont need to realign it

 

Did you remove the ball joint directly below the steering knuckle? If so, how? I'm having a tough time trying to get it out. I don't see slip ring or anything I need to remove to make it easier. Although someone did mention a "slip ring".

Every time I try the removal kit (big C-clamp looking), it slips off because the threaded (top) portion of the ball joint keeps pivoting away from the pressure. I also tried a 5lb ledge with no affect.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

 

Ok, I figured this out yesterday...
1 - The ball joint removal kit/press I was using did not have the right adapter to clear the threaded bolt just below the steering knuckle. Kit part# is EverTough 67045. Don't use that one, instead find something with more adapters etc... That's why I had such a hard time with it. There are other kits with the correct parts that would work, but Oreilly's (where I went) did not have it available to rent out. I improvised by using a deep socket to make up the space between the ball joint bolt and kit I had. The ball joint eventually popped out as intended. (NOTE: The ball joint directly below the steering knuckle is pressed down for removal and up for install,...unlike some domestic vehicles)

2 - The OEM ball joint did not have a slip ring on it, I checked it thoroughly when I removed it. Just press it through with the kit. You may need a breaker bar to completely get it out the first time.

3 - The replacement non-oem ball joint ($14 at O'reilly's) did come with a slip ring and was very easy to install. You provide your own grease though. (NOTE: go find a good set of slip ring pliers BEFORE you need them!!). The parts stores usually carry cheapos or very little inventory of the good stuff. I bought cheapos ...but they worked, kinda : /

Hope this helps someone.

 

Take a look at this video. Might give you some ideas.