Removing front strut and broke balljoint on 04 sportsman 500

[uncbub23]

So i have to remove my front strut from my 04 sportsman 500 because i was installing a new front axle and when I was trying to get the a-arm off the balljoint I pulled the ball through the plate and now i cant get the plate off. I have everything disconnected from the strut but how do I get it out of the top mounting plate? I tried to put a wrench on it but the spring just turns. I was thinking about welding a bolt on the broke balljoint to get it out is that a good idea? Thanks in advance for any help.

[polman500]

You have to hold the top of the strut shaft with a 3/8 wrench while turning the 3/4 nut to get the strut loose. Once you have the strut out and in a vice you'll need to apply some heat to the screws in the retaining plate to soften the thread locking compound applied to the threads at the factory. They should then come out easily if you use a GOOD screw driver bit that fits the screws correctly.

[uncbub23]

thanks i'll give that a try