OK, I am in a bind. I have removed everything to have clear access to my lower ball joint. I have the ball joint press ready to go, but I cannot figure out how to get the top cap off of the old ball joint so that I can use the ball joint press. Does anyone have an idea how these are suppose to come off. I have attached a picture of the culprit so hopefully you will be able to see what I am dealing with. The new one that goes on has a snap ring which is not a problem, but what is on the old one is not a snap ring. Any help would be greatly apprecitated. Thanks

Couldn't get the picture the first time. This is a picture of the top cap that I am trying to get off.

If I was you I would just replace the whole arm. It is a lot easier

Hammer and a punch knock the 3 dimples inward towards the center of the ball joint. Next place a jack stand under the control arm as close to the joint a possible. Now get a big azz hammer and smack the top of the joint. Its gonna take some muscle!! Be careful not to hit your fender lol! Once the joint is moving take a small ball peen hammer and place it on top of the joint and hit it with your bigger hammer. This helps not to damage your control arm. Done many times this way, there is no need to replace the arm. I find using the ball joint press to remove the joint is a pain.

Is this the ball joint in the lower arm or upper? The picture looks like its the upper.

If it the upper most of the time it is easier and better to replace the arm. If its the lower then just the ball joint.

I agree with RJB, replacing the arm is often much easier than removing and replacing a pressed or riveted ball joint; not to mention the new bushings that typically come with control arms. The cost of replacement control arms on Rock Auto are super affordable.

The picture shown is the lower control arm.