s13 rear spindle removal

[Dauer]

I searched this topic w/ no success. I'm in the process of performing a 5-lug swap to my s13 and the other day I was tying to remove the rear spindle to get to the bolts that attach the hub. I loosened all the nuts attaching the spindle then took a balljoint separator and tried to pry the spindle loose. The only thing I succeded in doing was destroying the rubber boot around the balljoint. The bastard wouldn't budge. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated. Also it says in th FSM that it the balljoint is worn, proceed to replacing the LCA. Is this true or can I just press in a new one?

[navysnail]

it may be that your just supposed to replace the LCA and the joint is not independantly replaceable

[180fan]

should have just used a rubber mallet and bundles of wd-40

[s13sr20chris]

you cant get balljoints from nissan you have to get whole control arms. you can get them aftermarket but i dont think anyone make the rear one. you can sometimes find just a boot if you only need a boot. look at the little section of the upright that the balljoint goes into. looks like a metal doughnut(rusty). whack that with a hammer. you can put a little prybar pressure on the lca while doing this if you want. after whacking enough times real hard the balljoint will vibrate loose. well its supposed to. soak it in rust penetrant.

[Dauer]

Thanks i'll try that method. Should I use a soft faced hammer or just go at it with a ball-peen?

[s13sr20chris]

i use a heavy "mini-sledge". buy from sears for like $7. its only got about a 9in handle but its like a 3 pound head or something.