In some cases you may need a special tool for removing the ball joints from the spindle but I don't know where you can get one. Mine was homemade about thirty years ago using the illustration in the shop manual as a guide.
When removing T -Bird ball joints, do not try to use a spreader (pickle) fork, you can do severe damage to the seals. The upper ball joint must be always removed first. If you put a jack under the frame of the car you can take advantage of the force of the spring to release the upper ball joint without a special tool. First back off the nut about five turns, then strike the side of the spindle where the stub of the ball joint passes through. With the force of the spring pulling at the ball joint, several hard blows will release it.
Next place a jack under the lower A-frame to support the load of the car then remove the nut from the ball joint, then the ball joint from the spindle. You may then remove the complete upper A-frame with ball joint in place from , the car. Or you may choose not to remove the upper ball v joint from the spindle. Just unbolt it from the upper A- frame and leave it attached.
HERE IS A TRICK. You don't need to remove the lower ball joint from the spindle. While the jack is still supporting the lower A-frame just unbolt the lower ball joint from it, then remove the complete spindle assembly with the lower ball joint still attached. Remove, disconnect or restrain the brake line in some fashion or it will be damaged.
If the ball joint must be removed from the spindle for restoration purposes first remove the spindle arm from the spindle. Lay the side of the spindle on an anvil and strike it with a big hammer very hard several times. It will come off.
Walt Nuckels
CTCI#861
Reprinted from January 2002, "Bird Thunder" of the Big D Little Birds Club
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