Upper Control Arm Bushings On Axle - Removal

[AMCJeepMJ]

This past Saturday I replaced my lower control arms with arms that had new bushings in them - no problem. I did not , however, replace the uppers. Why you may ask? I could not remove the bushings from the axle.

 

After spraying them down with plenty of PB Blaster on the cup inserts and allowing them to soak overnight as well as well as liberal force with a large c-clamp, they refused to budge. A few good whacks with an engineer's hammer was not effective at convincing them to move either.

 

Am I missing something or is there some sort of trick to removing the old and rotted bushings from the axle? Is a ball joint press the missing ingredient, or did I just not allow enough time for the penetrant to soak?

[HOrnbrod]

This worked for me:

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/37992-2wd-uca-bushing-replacement/?hl=press&do=findComment&comment=382317

[AMCJeepMJ]

Thanks, hornbrod- this gives me something to work with.

[skidoo_j]

I used a ball joint press with a set of 4x4 cups.   To press them out.    

 

To relieve pressure on the axle so it didn't roll and get clearance I put a set of spring compressors on both passenger and drivers with full weight on the springs, then jack up the body and removed wheels.   Gave me enough room for the press and also kept the axle from rolling while removed and reattached the upper arm.