Pretty bummed- running into problems with suspension work

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TommyJ1980

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Hi folks, this is my first time posting, and I’m elbows deep in some work I thought somebody might be able to opine on, and help me out. I have a 1998 k2500 5.7L and I’m trying to replace upper and lower ball joints. At this pint I’ve pounded on the lower ball joint about a million times, the removal kit I got is pretty much toast, got bent up after using an impact wrench on it. At this point, I can see what looks like a crack in the lower control arm, and it looks like I’ve chipped part of the top where the ball joint sits. I guess my main question is, is it that much further of a step to just replace the lower control arm and put the ball joint I bought into a new one? See pics below, any thoughts are much appreciated.
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GoToGuy

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Pressed in ball joints where? Riveted ball joints where?
 

Caman96

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That does look like toast! Seems there are new LCA’s available. See pictures at end of this thread.
 

1952Chevy

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The upper ball joints are tough, I wouldn't have gotten mine out without an air hammer. I didn't have any issues pressing the lowers out though. As stated they are hard to come by, hopefully the link above helps.
 

Caman96

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The upper ball joints are tough, I wouldn't have gotten mine out without an air hammer.
Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are available.
 

TommyJ1980

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Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are avai
Getting the rivets out? I used drill bits, stepping up in sizes. About 10 minutes each side. Your lower arms look to be forged. AFIK, stamped and forged are interchangeable, so yes they are available.
Are you talking about using the Astro ones or from somewhere else? Thanks for the info.
 
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