Raise Hitch Ball

[wingfoot321]

Just got my new axles from Colin Hyde installed. I chose the 32 deg version.

Now I need to raise the hitch ball at least one inch to match trailer. Took out the two big bolts and nothing will move. Put my bottle jack under neath but, will not move. It is lifting the truck. I hate to take to a shop and use a hydraulic press to make such a simple adjustment??? Anyone had a similar situation??? My hitch is an Easy, 16 years old. It has four predrilled holes and I am on lower end of the adjustment range. Guess I need a bigger hammer!!!
Wingfoot321

[rmkrum]

Depending on how long those big parts have been bolted together, you may have developed more than enough rust on the mating surfaces to hold it together like it is welded.

I'd try spraying it down with some good penetrating oil, letting it soak in, and do it again several times to let the oil get in between the mating surfaces. Then I'd try a big pry bar and see if you can wedge it in between the parts and pry them apart. I'd leave the assembly in the hitch receiver to give support for this operation.

Failing that, time for a big hydraulic press...

[Mollysdad]

Easy?
How about "EAZ-lift" weight distribution hitch?
In any case, if you removed the two 3/4" bolts, there's nothing else holding the ball assembly on the shank except maybe rust.
Try a crowbar (or long screwdriver) in the gap between the ball assembly and the shank and pry it apart.

[rmkrum]

Do try to avoid the temptation to beat on it vigorously with ever-bigger hammers. I know it's SUPER tempting, but you are more likely to bend, break, or mushroom something, glance off it and hit something shiny and expensive, or possibly damage your own body...been there. And trust me, I have one heck of a hammer collection.

Keep repeatedly soaking it in penetrating oil over a couple days and see if it works loose.

[rogerdodger]

By design it is a snug fit. I adjusted my Equalizer yesterday, had to use a sledge and GENTLY tap it into position.

[wingfoot321]

Good news,

The PB Blaster finally did the job. I sprayed it for 4days and it broke loose. I kept using a hyd jack which was lifting the truck up on the springs until it moved. The hitch ball was a tight fit on the shank so it took the jack plus a rubber hammer to finally position for the bolts. Now to a level parking lot to check things. Colin thought I would get 1.5" from the new axles. I went one bolt hole higher. Should be close.

Wingfoot

[rmkrum]

Good to hear you got it adjusted without the use of real force:

I think you may need one of these, just in case something or someone is being extraordinarily difficult...

https://www.thinkgeek.com/product/kt...mail_103958255

Too bad it's just molded plastic...and they don't supply the appropriate fuel for the assist unit...I'd want one, but it would have to be real, and fully operational. (Why is the Jackie Gleason/Honeymooners TV Show line, "To the moon, Alice!" echoing in my mind right now?)

[Jim J]

For what its worth, I have had success making similar assemblies come apart by pouring boiling water on them. Examples are brake disk rotors, lawn mower engine parts, etc. The hot water causes the metal to expand and break the bond between the parts. I prefer this to using a torch because of the fire hazard and extreme high heat of a torch.

Glad the penetrating oil worked for you !