Old ball joint sleeve seized in axle

[Dlefler]

I have a 84 k10 I'm doing the ball joints and the sleeve from the old ball joint is seized inside axle. I tried heat and pb blaster it will not budge. Can you leave the old sleeve in instead of replacing it?

 

[bucket]

You can, yes. Although ball joint life could be shortened. It's certainly not the correct way to do it, but many people have.

 

[Dlefler]

Thank you, do you know any tricks for getting the old sleeve out? I have a spanner socket but I started to round the old sleeve and stopped using it now I have been trying to use a screw driver as a chisel and trying to tap it to move

 

[bucket]

What are you using for heat? An oxy/acetylene torch outfit should provide enough heat. The quality of the socket will make a difference too.

 

[Dlefler]

I'm just using a map gas torch. May not be enough heat I guess. Is there a preferred socket that maybe better quality that you could recommend.

 

[bucket]

Not really. I've got one from Snap-On that has always served me well. I've never tried any other brands.

 

[Dlefler]

Thank you for your help I'm going to try more heat and probably a different spanner socket thanks again