I'm in the process of replacing the ball joints on my '98 V6 2WD Dakota. I removed the wheel and spindle and everything so that I have full access to the ball joints. I was trying to remove the lower ball joint rivets and ran into problems. I used a chisel to pop the heads off the top of the rivets but now they appear to be stuck. I've tried using a hammer and punch to pound them out and I've also tried drilling through the center of one, they won't come out. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remedy this situation and perhaps avoid it on the other wheel? Thanks in advance.

 

I had the same problem with my 97. What I had to do was drill down through them as best you can to weaken them. Then take a small sledge hammer and whack the front and back sides to loosen it from the control arm.


good luck!


OJ