I cannot for the life of me get this stupid thing off. Both nuts are removed from the ball joints, everything is disconnected... Do I just keep at it with a hammer and PB blaster? I don't want to deform anything in the process.

 

First you need to turn it over so gravity is helping, in other word when it loosens it drops off, now I don’t know how or where your hitting it but your need to “shook it off " this is done by hitting the knuckle in the direction of the arrow, I have worked in garages a no one uses the fancy tools to do this they just end up breaking them, a good 4lbs long handle hammers does the trick just perfect, I removed mine to replace the ball joints a few months ago, but that’s another story

 

l prefer to hit it on the side of knuckle housing, less metal, so shock treatment works better. But, yes...this is a simple tappered fit...so a good smack with a 3 lb hammer...should do the trick. And having it positioned in the correct way, axle housing, lets gravity help in the procedure.

 

Gotcha, just keep hammering it.

I’ve been hammering it with the axle oriented in the direction it sits installed, but stupid me decided to post a photo of the axle while I had it upside down for cleaning.

 

You have to whack it sharply and with good aim. Once you've broke one loose, your confidence will build.

 

Just on the flat part near the top ball joint?

 

As a 70 year old mechanic this how I do it, hit the knuckle as I have shown there is less chance of damage as the shock of the hit it transferred down both sides of the hole equally ,and try to alternate you hit between top and bottom

 

and you could heat the knuckle arm (not the ball or threaded taper) at the taper fit a bit first too, with a torch....just for a few seconds.....before whacking off...

 

I had to use one of these on an air hammer to get it off, I literally beat on it for 2 days.

 

Went another round at trying to remove them with no luck and now wondering if I even should. The boots are gone but there isn't any play... yet. Then again, this is probably the only time the entire front end will be removed like this, so I should probably keep at it while it's out and accessible yeah? I think all I need at this point is encouragement more than anything lol