xjwanted

So I've got my Jeep in my garage, its been sitting on Jack stands for the past few days. The front axle shafts are out, the steering knuckles are off. I'm trying to get the ball joints out, but I'm having trouble getting the Upper's out. I can't fit a wrench on top of the tool that I am using that I have on loan from Advanced Auto Parts. The shaft of the tool is too damn long. So what should I do? My Ball joints don't get here from 4 Wheel Parts until Wednesday, but I want to have all the joints pressed out by then.

caged

do you have the axle stands under the axle?
this won't give you enough room as you're experiencing. you want the axle to droop so you can get the press on the top ball joint and not have the threaded spindle up into the inner fender.

the top one gets pressed up and out first.

then the bottom one gets pressed down and out with the threaded spindle going up through the top ball joint hole.

then bottom joint goes in first before the top.

xjbeans

You need an angled ball joint press go to advance its a big **** box

TheGreatGazoo

When i did mine i removed the bottom shock bolts and raised the vehicle as high as i can with my floor jack under the front axle and placed a jack stand under the unibody on both sides and then removed the tires,and brake calipers. and lowered the axle all the way down .and let the axle sit on the jack while i changed them. that will give you enough room to get the press in and be able to turn the shaft.