having a problem removing the front ball joint

[Irish_Alley]

I think we are pretty much on the same page about heating suspension parts, and about the fast cooling. so you’re saying if it’s not hot enough to change color than a rapid quench isn’t really going to hurt. But at the same time the quench really doesn’t do anything to that piece of metal cause it really wasn’t hot enough to change the structure of the metal. Like I said I think we are on the same page but I was more referring to getting something cherry red not just warming it up

[jaredts]

Irish, for what its worth I'm sorry about the soap box.  I don't know what got into me.  Yes I agree with what you said.  I don't know what GM uses on these trucks, but we make some steering knuckles for bigger gm trucks with integral spindle that are quenched and tempered alloys.  I wouldn't want to heat that cherry red and take the risk of ruining the heat treatment (softening).  For a lot of suspension parts we make, they are 1030 and used as forged.  Heating that to 1500 degrees and slow cooling it wouldn't hurt a thing.  Sometimes I get carried away.  I think its cool as could be that you've done some knife making.  If I wasn't sick of messing with hot parts all day I'd like to do that myself.

[Blazin]

My father was a tool and die maker / machinist. He always talked about heat treating, and steel hardness etc. It was my understanding from him that most mild, and cast steel which is what the knuckles, and axle tubes are made of was not adversely affected by heating even to a red color, and letting cool out in the open.
 I had an engine block welded in the past. He heated it up cherry red, then welded it with nickle rod, then wrapped it up with a welding blanket to keep it from cooling to fast. 
Just my $.02 if its worth anything!! 

[Irish_Alley]

I never took any mind to what you said as being offensive but more educational “your experience” like blaz just posted that’s the only way I know anything is by hands on and/or tips and tricks from others.

[VileZambonie]

If you have to heat the knuckle do it carefully and let it cool naturally in a stable temperature environment. Do not heat moving suspension components or steering linkage.

[Irish_Alley]

This is why I never understood those that heat the coil springs to lower the truck.

[VileZambonie]

Poor man wanting a lower truck.

[Lt.Del]

This is why I never understood those that heat the coil springs to lower the truck.

people are too lazy nowadays to use a hacksaw?   Lots of work but, I never shied away from work.  Of course, now, they have blades for metal for a sawzall or sabre saw (jigsaw).  Growing up, I used the time proven elbow grease.   

[Bitzer!]

Is elbow grease available in 500g pots? 

[Lt.Del]

it could be Andy, want us to send you some?

[Bitzer!]

it could be Andy, want us to send you some?

cheers for the offer but I couldn't afford the shipping!!