Walking

I searched the forum and could find this problem, so if this is a repeat I apologize.

I am attempting to replace the lower control arms on my 2008 LS460 (110,000 miles).
Unfortunately, I cannot get the ball joints out. I have torched it, bent a pickle fork and hammered on it endlessly with a 5lb sledge. It hasn't budged an inch.

Is there some hidden pinch bolt or something I am missing?

texas008

I remembered that Scotty Kilmer somehow cut the ball joint of my LS460 with a dremel tool.
But I'm not sure if that is the only way/ correct way of doing it.

UDel

Can you use a pitman puller?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

This might help you.
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-07-ls460.html

Walking

Ya, I tried all of that as far as I can tell.
Also, that ball joint seperator is too small to fit around the front control arm.
Argggggggggnnnhhhhh

johnnyg66

Not sure how a shop replaced mine. Maybe a air chisel. ??

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I have to take a look at this ball joint when I rotate the tires again. This seems like a big headache.

derpie

I used a map gas torch and a 5 lb sledge .

roadfrog

I'm a staunch DIY'er, but this is why I left this job for a shop to do. I know some have had success doing it in their garage, but FAR more stories are similar to yours. For the 700 dollars my local shop charged to do ALL 8 arms, and two ball joints as well as a wheel alignment, I was happy to fork over the coinage.