[Jerry Clayton]

Well I see the possibility of at least 3 ways

Wrong application for type of ball joint

Steering load

Brake torque load

Combination of steering and brake forces

Binding in upper shaft

In the pictures it looks like the steering arm has been moved to the short location--this will increase the loading on the tie rod which is broken---if this happened first the wheel would turn out from the load and could rip out or break either ball joint

Not trying to be a smart ie but -------

Jerry