I'm replacing the ball joints on my 97 Escort with 160,000 miles. Driver's side came out of the steering knuckle with some effort but the one on the passenger's side won't budge.

I'm thinking about taking the knuckle off of the car and maybe applying a torch to it to get the joint out.

Good idea or bad? Alternatives?

 

as long as you take out the bolt holding it to the spindle it should come out as that is the only thing holding it in place. In your instance the ball joint will require extra effort. Do not try to wedge the spindle apart as this may crack it at that point. I have had luck with ones as you describe by using a hammer and tapping on the ball joint loosening it from its grip