Can't separate ball joints - help (pics)
 

I am trying to take apart the rear suspension in preparation for lifting the body off...

I followed the instructions in this article http://www.corvettefever.com/techart.../photo_18.html

That step in particular is what is giving me problems...

I can't get the ball joints to separate. The instructions are confusing it says "loosen the lower ball joint nut with an 18mm socket" - The lower ball joint nut isn't 18mm. The top one is 18mm.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3890/balljoints.jpg


Do I need to loosen the nut that is circled in red?

I have tried to get the top to separate with the shock both connected and disconnected....which works better?

Do I need to put the top nut back on and break the bottom ball joint free first?

I have tried supporting the a-arm with a jack and running it all the way up - top joint still won't separate. I am guessing it isn't safe to use an air hammer pickle fork on the aluminum parts. :bang:

Sorry for being a vette noob, this is the first car I have owned newer than a '72.

Thanks in advance

Also...why do the guides always show removing the halfshafts in the back? I don't see why I would need to remove them to drop the rear-end and I won't be working on the differential.

I didn't bother with that last winter when I removed my powertrain like you are doing. Just unbolt the upper control arms from the frame. I think it's an easier way to do it. For the shocks I unbolted the rears at the top and the fronts at the bottom. Then just replaced them while it was off the body.

Start taking a bunch of pictures along the way too! Bag and tag is your friend too. :nod: It makes the whole process of putting it back together a lot easier!

PM me if you have any questions. I'd be glad to help if you need it.

If you're not working on the diff then you don't have to. You really don't even have to remove the brake calipers. I did but realized later that I really didn't have to. Just use some cable ties to prevent everything from stretching and putting extra pressure on the lines.

this is a much better guide for removing the diff. just stop when you get the cradle out
http://cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm

Finished taking it apart a couple days ago now, sure wish I had found that guide before!

Will be useful for putting it back together. Oh well...live and learn.