I am currently planning to replace all 4 ball joints/sway bar bushings/end links. Is there anything else that I should address while I am in there (problem areas/other bushings)? From reading the forums it sounds like I can remove ball joints without messing with the spring? Want to confirm before I injure myself.
the lower control arms are sold as an assy. I don't know if you can buy the ball joint separate... to rebuild the front end and replace the upper control arm bushings/shafts you will have to remove the springs.
Do the strut arm bushings and sway bar bushings too. Take a look at the spring seats also. Use quality parts and you won't have to worry about the frt end for a loooong time.
The lower arms and upper ball joints can be replaced without messing with the springs. If you want to do it right though you should also replace the upper a-arm pivots and the spring perches, both of which require removal of the spring. And as mentioned, the strut rod bushings and sway bar bushings and end links. While you're doing the uppers, the shocks also must be removed so you may as well get new ones if yours are old.
Technically that depends on what kind of spring compressor you have. Either way you must compress the spring in order to get the UCA out.
Do you have the spring compressor? I am trying to read the forums right now to make sense of the upper control arm bushings.
I knew you would ask for something i don't own. You can rent them from advance or autozone. Are you going with Moog parts? I would!
Most of what I have been finding is like this, is this what you are talking about: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...g_20517469-p?navigationPath=L1*14921|L2*15012 If I get these I would have to replace the control arm shaft with a aftermarket one? Lol, I have a good tool collection but am lacking on some of the specialty tools.
If you're going to do it, replace the upper A arms too. It's far easier to replace the whole assembly than to fight changing 40 year old ball joints on old A arms. New A arms come already assembled with the ball joints. Steer clear of rubber upper A arm pivots. Get the steel ones with the grease fittings.
I rented one just like it back in the mid 90's when it cost $25 to rent. I decided to keep it for myself. I bet I've used it more than 20 times in the past 5 years.
