I have a 89 firebird and I am putting news springs, struts and balljoints on the car. I got the driver side torn apart but the bolts that hold the strut to the spindle will NOT budge and they are pissin me off. i have tried heating the bolts up lubing it and everything so any help would be appreciated. Then the ball joints WILL NOT press back into the holes like they are supposed to and that is pissing me off as well any suggestions would be appreciated but yea thanks guys. i used an impact to try to press them back in and that seemed to work a lil bit but then when i released the press they feel right back out GAY!!! HELP!!!

 

Ball Joints: Are you using a ball joint press for these? You can "rent" one at Autozone, Advance, whatever. Then, you have to work slowly and carefully, 'cause they don't work well, but they do work. You have to work a little here, then readjust and work it some more, as the ball joint will start to go in crooked and you have to readjust the angle of the press.

Strut Bolts: These are a real PITA. They are torqued well over 100lbs/in, and made to not come off easily. You'll need a 1/2in socket wrench and a nice long (3ft+) steel pipe to use on the wrench to get more leverage (longer lever on the fulcrum = more leverage).

Hope that helps!

PS - make sure that car is really stable before you start applying all that leverage!

 

I have never had a problem with them being so tight. My 8" long 3/8 ratchet with a 10" steel pipe as an extension worked very well. In the past I have also used a (14"??) adjustable wrench.

Your problem with the ball joints, are you just having trouble setting the taper between the ball joint and the spindle? If so, my advice is to just make sure everything is very clean. The taper won't set if the ball joint stud is damaged or dirty.