I'm in the middle of installing a 2.5 leveling kit on my f150. Everything was going easy until having to separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
I first tried to follow the instructions which said to hit the knuckle with a ball peen hammer. That must be a joke. The ball joint was being a total bi#! and didnt budge at all.

So next I had to do what they said not to do which was use a pickle fork. Now I have a torn upper control arm boot. Even the pickle fork didnt break loose the ball joint.

Finally, I tried my own method and put the nut back on the ball joint stud just enough to not damage the threads as I tapped up on the ball joint. Within 2.5 hits it easily broke loose.

So two questions as I start on the other side. What is the right way to remove the stubborn upper control arm ball joints from the steering knuckle? How do I fix my torn boot? It seems as simple as buying a new boot and putting it on, but I have a feeling I will be spending a lot more money than that.

 

Just a little 411 from experience, watch how much your UCA angles downward. I would suggest putting a lift it your waning height

 

Get a bigger hammer and hit that steering knuckle hard. A few good blows and it'll let go.

 

And for the side you tore the boot you might as well replace that ball joint now. You have to buy the complete upper A arm to do that. It will not last with a torn boot.