How to replace SPC upper ball joint with gusseted spindles??

I got new ball joints from SPC to replace one that’s worn but not sure on what tool I need to remove it from spindle and then do I need a press to get the new ones into the spindle or can I crank down on the castle nut until they are seated.

I went by O’Reilly’s and they had a ball joint tool but it didn’t look like it would work the the offset design of the SPC ball joint and my spindles are gusseted.

 

I've replaced mine a few times. They pop right out with a hammer tap.

 

What he said^^^. I thought this was a first gen issue. On second and third gen they drop right out. Maybe a couple squirts of penetrating lube from the top wouldn’t hurt but shouldn’t take anything significant to pop them out of the spindle.

 

so undo from the upper control arm and pop it up and out via a hammer?

 

Yep.

 

And then just crank down on the castle nut to set the new one?

 

I don't have gusseted spindles but my SPC ball joints come out of the spindle easily with a small knock of the hammer.

yup, well torque it to spec to make sure. Don't know what the 2nd gen torque is.

 

Yeah, there should be a torque spec on it somewhere. It's not that tight to be honest.
But that top nut, crank that sucker down to 250ftlbs or a bit more.

Edit, 150ftlbs or more. My bad

 

It's actually 150ftlbs or better on that top nut. My bad, edited the post.

 

Wasn’t able to get any leverage with the hammer to get a good hit, even with a long punch but found success using this puller. It can be set with 2 or 3 arms. In the 2 arm config I was able to get it so that the gussets didn’t interfere.

thanks everyone