Question on Control arm removal??
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Muskegon Michigan
Question on Control arm removal??
Getting ready to remove both upper and lower control arms to replace bushings, ball joints and springs on my 1980. I will have the spring secured with a chain and compressed with an internal compressor and backed up with a floor jack under the lower control arm. My question is which ball joint do I release first the upper or the lower?? I am thinking the upper but I'm not 100% sure. Any advice as always is appreciated. Thanks GIL
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
I didn't use a spring compressor either. Had a jack under the arm, and lowered it. The spring isn't that long, so it's not too bad.
I replaced all the bushings, ball joints, and tie rods (sleeves also) in a weekend. After alignment, the handling is like night and day.
I replaced all the bushings, ball joints, and tie rods (sleeves also) in a weekend. After alignment, the handling is like night and day.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
Never pulled the springs out of a Vette but done it to 100s of full-size and mini trucks when lowering. With that said I’ve never used a spring compressor when uninstalling or reinstalling coil springs in anything. Definitely want to chain that sucker off though. There is a lot of energy in there.
As for which to release first, I would pop the upper but honestly it’s dealers choice here. I would have a decent set of front end tools to pop the tie rod end and ball joints.
As for which to release first, I would pop the upper but honestly it’s dealers choice here. I would have a decent set of front end tools to pop the tie rod end and ball joints.
Last edited by kossuth; Mar 31, 2019 at 10:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 979
Likes: 258
From: Maryland
I just did this job - pulled the upper ball joint first. Used the chain as you are doing and also put a rod down from the upper shock tower through the arms for good measure. In many cases you'll find the upper ball joint easier to remove
than the lower one. If the ball joint is stubborn and wont release, Harbor Freight has a ball joint remover for about $20 that works great.
than the lower one. If the ball joint is stubborn and wont release, Harbor Freight has a ball joint remover for about $20 that works great.
