Ball joint removal

Just as an added note: I don't use pickle forks hardly ever; a few hard whacks with the machinist's hammer is all I typically use. Don't be shy; I remember the first time in changing a bearing race, the shop super was laughing at me, and then kindly showed me how to "put more *** behind it" as eloquently stated above. It was a good lesson....

Same here, I've always used a BFH. If you were closer I'd lend you my socket.