5 lug wedge bolt headache Options

[barada]

Literally.
I have a redrilled front end right now as my 5 lug set up. One day driving home I saw a 84 carrera convertable on the side of the road. Asked how much for the entire front end they say 350, I tell them its a deal and I will be back sat. Well they call me and the "real owner" said he had to get 700 for it. I wound up getting just the struts and brake assembly.
Now to the real question.
I had a terrible time getting the wedge bolt out of the original struts from the 914. I thought re installing would be a breeze, well it has not even been close. 3 hours yesterday beating on the bolt it is probably 75% in, still sticking out about 1/4 of an inch from being flush. I have heated it a couple of times but there must be a trick to driving them in in a shorter amount of time.
Car is a 74 914.
Any hints or do I keep wailing away with the 4lb hammer and drift?


Thanks
Phillip

[JFJ914]

All I mean is if you've hammered on them as much as you've indicated, they could be "mushroomed" and will never fit. Did you line up the mark on the wedge with the "v" in the ball joint? Have you made sure the parts are rust free and clean? Are there any burrs that need smoothing? have you put some grease on the ball joint and pin so they can align? They do need to be tapped together, but they do not need to be "hammered". Where in Atlanta are you? PM me with your phone number and maybe I can talk you through it.