Hey All,
I need to know if there is any way to change OE lower ball joints without removing the steering knuckle? The Chilton's does'nt say to remove it, but after reading all the how-to's & other info, it seems there isn't really any way to knock the rivets off without taking the knuckle off. I'm trying to save the the tie rod boots, and I don't see how to separate them from the knuckle without damaging them. Will the knuckle come off with the tie rod still connected? Any advice or tips would be much appreciated. TIA 1997 Blazer 4x4 4dr

 

I have always just tied it up out of the way.

 

i'm not for sure but i had a mechanic friend do my lower ball joints and i think he knocked them off and bolted it back together after. if that makes since.... i know he said he toke the rivets out and replaced them incase of future replacement. that way i wouldn't have to deal with the rivets in the future. sorry if this doesn't help....

 

For years, I chiseled the rivet heads off. More recently discovered that an air driven cut off wheel is so much easier that it justified the cost of the tool. No need to remove the steering linkage either.

 

Thanks for the replies people. I ended up just rippin' it all apart anyway. Got it done in about 4 1/2 hours.