I have a 80 olds cutlass with the lower control arms off the car. I got the bushings out, and now am taking a break from the heat....how might I tackle the lower ball joints? Does the joint press out through the bottom or top?

 

should come out the top of the arm.

go to a local autoparts store and rent/borrow a balljoint press. Real easy.

 

This should help you - similar arms...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post290210

 

Awesome Thanks!

 

Um, actually you press on the top of the ball joint and the ball joints come out the bottom of the arm.

 

Oh, you are just not applying enough pressure!!!!

 

so you push the lower joint out toward the ground as if the arm is on the car...correct?

 

Yes.
Theoretically, the BJ could be removed with a few sharp blows on the threaded stud with a small sledge. However, a pipe fitting should be positioned under the control arm on the outside of the BJ to prevent damage to the arm.

Study up on this thread - operations are very similar.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...end-job-2.html

 

Never use a BFH to remove things that were "pressed" in! Things bend before the part gives. I learned this the hard way a long time ago as a teenager trying to remove ball joints. Had to spend the weekend looking for new spindles at the junkyard.

Use the proper tool! You can also use an air hammer to rattle it out, just don't gouge your A arms with it. But, you'll still need a press to put the new one in!