OK, just one more and I'll leave you guys alone for a little while. The FSM says to separate the side rod from the knuckle arm by using the ball joint remover tool as described by inserting the bj remover tool between them and tightening the bolt on the tool with a wrench. Ok, cool. So, removing the actual ball joint is done by lossening the bolt on top of the ball joint correct? And, I think I saw a thread saying that this nut is cross threaded. Can't find the exact intrsuctions to remove the actual ball joint. When I went to AutoZone to get a ball joint remover tool loaned to me, you get all of you $$ back when you bring the tool back, they gave me a large c clamp to remove the ball joint. I didn't want to question 'da man' but it just didn't look like I needed it...

Uh, that's loosening the 'nut' not the bolt on top of the ball joint...

Correct, sort of...

Here's how I'd do it:

1) Separate tie rod end from the knuckle (pickle fork and big hammer)

2) IIRC, one should remove the cotter pin on the castellated nut, then work the nut off.

3) To remove the steering knuckle takes a bit of controlled fury. The bolt portion of the ball joint is at an angle as it passes through the steering knuckle, and requires some extra force to get it to break loose. I put a pickle fork in between the bottom of the knuckle and the ball joint and whacked it with my fave 3-lb sledge to break it loose. Your ball joint looks to be trashed, so don't worry about saving it. Have fun--whack away! If you were planning on reusing, you should get a ball joint separator (Harbor Freight et al) for a more elegant method of disassembly....

There are two bolts which hold the ball joint to the transverse link, from underneath. Hit it with some PB Blaster (or similar) and remove them slowly--they may be rusted solid. You should be able to remove the ball joint from the transverse link with some taps from underneath with your hammer

Good luck!

Steve