I assume you took a look at the how-to in Duratec maintenance FAQ?
Have you tried using a long pry-bar through the LCA and pressing downwards to lower the LCA further than you could by hand?
do this, while orienting the balljoint at a 45�º angle towards the knuckle itself.
You can also use a long board, etc, instead of a pry-bar. Have a friend stand on the board or something. You do not need to compress the springs. Obviously this all assumes that the knuckle is splined on to the axle COMPLETELY and flushly.
SE springs are stiffer, but wouldn't make a difference. You got it off without compressing the springs, and the springs haven't changed since, so it wouldn't be any different.
It is possible that the axle dislocated from within the tranny, though VERY unlikely. You would have likely felt a jarring, and heard a click or pop if it did. That and it normally takes a slide hammer with a CV attachment to get those to seperate.
Ray
