i took my K member apart and I think that the Ball joint for the upper control arm can be taken out and replaced. am I right or do I replace the whole upper control arm.. thanks

They unthread.Its easier if it bolted to the car.A special socket is needed to remove them.Year and make would help.Rocky

What Rock said, with everything undone unscrew the upper ball joint while the UCA is still installed in the frame, same thing when you install the new ball joint, do it with the UCA installed in the frame with the cam bolts/nuts. Need the special socket & a breaker bar. Might be able to get by with large pliers but for a first time deal you'd be ahead to get the socket

Lots of penetrating spray also.That and when installing the new BJ make sure it goes in straight and tightens.I use a good impact to break mine loose.If you arent sure about it any good machine shop can do them.Its usually about 15 to 20 bucks a side.Rocky

thanks guys..!! I almost took it to the shop and put it through a hydraulic press to press it out.. I will take a picture of it later to show you guys that I understand what you guys are saying... it came out of a 70 charger..

I tried everything to get mine off my car with no luck.. had the socket, put tons of heat on it, and had a BF breaker bar.. but after a number of attempts, i was fearful of the socket jumping off and taking out my front fender... so i ended up replacing the UCA's... a cheating, more expensive way to do it, but i figured it was better that changing the shape of my front fenders...

Those things are torqued to 150 pounds. Not that much really. The threads are fat and flat - unlike anything I've ever seen before. From what I understand, the first time they're installed they more or less "self tap". Taking them apart you're primarily fighting rust. Impact guns don't quite cut it n my opinion - you really need a breaker bar and a 6 foot piece of pipe as an extension doesn't hurt! You want steady pressure, no sudden tugs, which will help keep the socket seated on the BJ.

A good impact will take them out.Ive done a bunch in the last 40 years.they also cut threads when reinstalled.Rocky

A little does wonders when they are really stuck..

ok here is the picture as promised and I am pointing at the part that I think you guys are saying to put the wrench to and unscrew. let me know if I am pointing at the wrong place

yup, you need a tool similar to this balljoint removal tool.. Unless you have a lot of time to spare, i'd order it from somewhere else... I had ordered it from PST, and it took a while to get to me..

You are correct.That is the upper ball joint.As said you need the special socket.Some stores have the tool to loan.You will need a breaker bar and probally a pipe to get it out.Might be cheaper and easier to have a shop do them.Especially if you dont have some quality tools.The socket sell for around 30 bucks.I suggest you buy a factory service manual also.They are well worth the cost.I have them for all the cars we have.Rocky

I had my UCA out of the car, ran a pipe through where the bushings were mounted (obviously pressed those out first) and held the pipe with a vise, and it sounds crazy but I used a 3' pipe wrench. Like all have said, NOT an easy job to break loose. Though one was considerably harder than the other to get out.

Best wishes breaking these loose.

Those dont look too bad.Some of the worst I did was my 66 Imperial and the kids Express truck.Rocky