Okay so i need to break my two top ball joints to get the top arm out to fit the front hilos.
Its a bitch of a job, having never done it before.
I still cant get them to separate.
I've loosened off the top 11/16 nut till its finger tight and bashed the crap out of the solid part of the top arm where the balljoint passes thru it.
Is there anything else i'm missing?

Pics:

Right hand balljoint


Smacking device placed against right hand balljoint


Repeated for left side


So i'm stumped.
Do i need to hit harder?
Am i hitting in the wrong place?

Help

Get another hammer, use one to hit it with and the other hold against the balljoint. Give it a good sharp clout on boths sides and by rights that should loosen it.

You are hitting in the right spot. It just takes one hit. If it takes more you are not hitting hard enough. Remember, ONE BIG HIT!

Tip... Hold another hammer on the other side, or if you are very good.... Hit with both hammers at the same time!

Am i allowed to scream, like the tennis players, as i hit it?

Would sound cool for the elderly neighbours.

You will scream if you miss the balljoint and hit both hammers.. But scream away if it makes you feel better...

Also try leavering the bottom arm down at the same time. It has helped me in the past with one that would not move.
Pete

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A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE

That's three hands you will need now big willy. A hammer each for two and a lever for the third.. NO big willy, not THAT lever...

U need to get ureself a balljoint splitter

takes about 10 seconds to pop the joint.

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No more Minis!......For now.

Thanks for the speedy responses!
As soon as i finish school, and catch the bus home , i'm gonna get stuck straight into it.
Homework can wait

Would something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32053&item=4566026113&rd=1 be of any use if i can't get the balljoint to separate by the hammer method?

No, not on a Mini. They will shag the balljoint rubber, apart from not often working..
Get a scissor type one, which has a big MF jacking bolt..
Preferably NOT made in China!

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

U need one like this

_________________
No more Minis!......For now.

Yum wat did that set you back?
I feel that i might as well just buy one and have it forever

I've had one of those for 30 years. It's pulled balljoints from Minis, Fiats, Valiants, more Minis, ... did I mention Minis?

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

My father showed me the two hammer trick but included pouring a jug of boiling water over the whole lot first. They always split if you get a good back swing.