Ball joint boot - removing front springs
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Ball joint boot - removing front springs
I am in the process of removing my front springs so I can lower the car a bit, In the process of separating the lower control arm from the spindle, I tore the ball joint boot. Looking through VBP, I found these, Poly ball joint boots.
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=394
Should I replace with these? How do you avoid tearing this boot when working?
Since I am placing an order, I may just buy the 550# springs instead of cutting mine. What do you think?
Thanks
Joe
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=394
Should I replace with these? How do you avoid tearing this boot when working?
Since I am placing an order, I may just buy the 550# springs instead of cutting mine. What do you think?
Thanks
Joe
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by Red 69
Try NAPA or one of your local parts houses. The boot should not be anything special.
Didnt try the part store yet, but the chevy dealer parts dept. says that the boot comes with the ball joint. Can you get them seperatly?
I also want 10" bolts for the rear. I could get them from McMaster or something, but if VBP has everything, it may be an option.
thanks
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Next time hit the knuckle of the arm with the nut on about 3 or 4 turns and it will pop down. Saves the boots. If you get longer bolts, I would only go w/10" bolts and make sure they are grade 8 if you buy elsewhere.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I don't know that you did this but try using a ball joint separator and not a pickle fork for this job. Pickle fork is hard to use and not tear the boots.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I cut my FE7 springs..half coil..dropped it 1"..that also increased spring rate somewhat..think I've seen threads on forum where guys have cut 550 springs to lower vettes as well...??? Depends on how much you need to come down...I'm at 26 1/2" to center of fender well...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Thanks VS, thats how I ended up getting it after I tore the boot.
I'm skeptical about 550# springs because I dont think they will bring me down enough... I'm at about 28" in the front, 29" in the rear. I need to go way down.
I'm skeptical about 550# springs because I dont think they will bring me down enough... I'm at about 28" in the front, 29" in the rear. I need to go way down.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
you can make your own for about 8-10 bucks. use 3/4 x 2" bolts and a 3/4 coupler. slightly drill a recessed spot into the head of each bolt. place between the balljoints placing the tip/ threaded end into the recessd spot, and turn the coupler with a wrench. it will push the ball joint away from one another untill they pop out 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
In October I decided to lower the front of my 79. With nothing to lose I cut two rounds off the top of each coil spring directly in line with the original end. I put it back together, dropped the car and WOW!, it was perfect! I took it out and ran it through some hard cornering-- no rubs-- no bottoming out--I was very pleased. BTW- I run 245/60 15s on the front. KYB gas shocks, 1 1/4" VBP swaybar.
