couldn't find anything.

I am struggling with removing the ball joint from a 79 and not sure If I need to remove it or just be more assertive with removing the strut from the ball joint.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

The ball joint doesn't disconnect.. I mean technically you can, but you should unscrew the other end of the ball joint that screws into the chassis
Then use a flathead to pull that metal secure lock up and remove it

 

That was my initial instinct. That bolt is screwed in tight. Do you remember if that is reverse threaded? I am putting a lot of pressure on that bolt.

On that note if you know where new bolts could be had my confidence level will increase.

 

Not reverse threaded
Use some PB blaster or wd40 and let it sit for a little

I do not... Maybe a part out

 

You get a new screw in stud attached to your new hatch strut.

 

They will be tough, but they come out. When I ordered from Mazdatrix they came with a new bronze colored ball joint and all the hardware you need to get the struts on.

Plenty of PB blast will get it loose.

Also, I ALWAYS put anti-seize on anything I want to come back out again. So you might want to invest in that.

 

for anyone who wants em, just put these on my girls '79 limited
work great! good price too

 

Thanks for the help. Put the strong arm replacements in this weekend. Works great.

Had to use a hack saw to separate the arm from the stud so I could get a socket on the bolt. Must have been the original struts.

Painted the ball and other brackets and it looks good.

Super cheap fix to an otherwise annoying issue.

Now on to the hatch release mechanism.....

 

Rock Auto has them as well for dirt cheap, in case someone is interested!