front sway bar on TJ need help

[PIR8]

Just got my TJ and it looks like the pass side of the front sway bar is damaged (ball is sticking out), I got a new link to install but I cant seem to get the upper ball off, the bottom end came off easily with a torx socket. Is this upper piece threaded I cant tell its all rusted or should it come out by just tapping from above? Looking at the new part I thought it should but maybe the new one has to be screwed into place. Anyone know?
Thanks

 

[Green97TJ]

Its not threaded, but it can still be a pain to get out. When we did mine, we had to heat it with a torch and then rotate the swaybar till it was against the bumber, then I held the swaybar in place while my Grandpa beat the ball out with a big hammer.

Hope this helps

Nathan

 

[Green97TJ]

Oh yea, if you have a ball joint seperator (also known as a tuning fork or pickle fork) that might be better to try first.

Nathan

 

[jeepguy46176]

torch and hammer worked for me

 

[PIR8]

PSI of 44-18.5-15 TSL's?

yeah i didnt have a torch though, damn thing wouldnt turn or anything, hammer was of no use, i ended up drilling through it but it took forever, at least now i know i didnt kill the thread

 

[exjay33]

Take the other side loose flip the bar all the way forward heat it up ,put a pair of vice grips on the old ball end it will come right out.

 

[L33TJ33P]

Ok I am sorry I am late on this

Here is the Easy way to get that out.

Tie rod puller.
Loosen the bottom but DO NOT remove it from the Pin totally. This gives it some play and still has it tense on the Ball joint.
Place the fork at the top of the ball joint up against the swaybar flat.
tap it with a hammer and VOILA it pops off easy as you please.


:Edit:
PS you can rent the fork at an AutoZone.