A ball joint press should do it… heat only if nothing else works.
Did you take the circlip off?
Benaiah said:
Did you take the circlip off?
Wait… there’s a circlip?? 
Benaiah said:
Did you take the circlip off?
Wait… there’s a circlip??
There might be… if everything else is free, I’d cut off the threaded part with a sawzall, then rent a ball joint press from the parts store.
@Benaiah
The new one didn’t come with a circlip. I got the castle nut loose, gonna try a pitman press tomorrow.
Fern said:
@Benaiah
The new one didn’t come with a circlip. I got the castle nut loose, gonna try a pitman press tomorrow.
Keep pressure on it with the pitman press while you hit it or heat it up.
@Taj
Yeah, looks like I need a press… I’ll grab one tomorrow.
Fern said:
@Taj
Yeah, looks like I need a press… I’ll grab one tomorrow.
Just a heads-up… I broke two of those rental presses (the reverse scissor kind) before switching to a pitman.
Also, found this thread about lower ball joints that might help: https://thisforum.com/r/ToyotaTacoma/comments/1cyzeu6/an_uncommon_upgrade_lower_ball_joints/
Fern said:
@Benaiah
The new one didn’t come with a circlip. I got the castle nut loose, gonna try a pitman press tomorrow.
Check out this video: https://youtu.be/eeCqziapAWM?feature=shared … looks like this Tacoma went for a swim.
@Benaiah
That’s for an ‘05 though… mine’s an ‘04 Tacoma 2WD.
@Benaiah
OEM Toyota part.
Benaiah said:
Did you take the circlip off?
Where exactly would the circlip be?
Benaiah said:
Did you take the circlip off?
Where exactly would the circlip be?
After looking closer, I don’t think yours has one. The whole joint and bracket should slide out after unbolting. If it did have a circlip, it’d be between the boot and the joint.
Not to be that guy… but how big is your hammer?
DukeJames4 said:
Not to be that guy… but how big is your hammer?
Haha, fair question… I’ve been using a 3lb sledge. Got the lower one out with it, and the tie rod gave up pretty quick too.
@Fern
That should be big enough… maybe have someone pry the upper control arm up while you whack it.
DukeJames4 said:
@Fern
That should be big enough… maybe have someone pry the upper control arm up while you whack it.
Got it… I’ll try giving it a little push while hammering.
You’re using a pickle fork? C’mon, man, it’s 2025… just get a proper ball joint separator. It’s worth it.
Fern said:
@Benaiah
That’s for an ‘05 though… mine’s an ‘04 Tacoma 2WD.
Got it… looks like yours should just unbolt and slide out. Here’s the OEM part listing: https://toyota.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/toyota-suspension-ball-joint-right-front-upper-4335039105
What part are you putting in?