Is it really necessary to remove the front lower arm ball joint from the knuckle in order to remove the front damper? The Service Manual has this in the steps, using a special tool, but I want to make sure that it is really necessary. Thanks.

 

Al, I can't remember but I know I didn't use a "special" tool.

 

Yeah, you should remove it. Soak it in some liquid wrench... while it's soaking, go to Sears and buy a medium size "two-arm gear puller". Don't buy one from Harbor Freight or someplace cheap like that - I broke 3 of them in a row trying to do mine before I went and got a Craftsman one that I've used many times now without a problem. File the point down a little!!! It stays on easier with a point, but you can sometimes crush/destroy the place that the cotter pins go through if you have a point on it.

Do NOT use a regular ball-joint separator fork - it will destroy your ball joint boot - ALWAYS.

 

Just looked at the Helm Manual and I think I didn't break the taper of the lower ball joint but instead unbolted it from the knuckle and left the ball joint connected to the lower arm. Also, I seem to remember having to disconnect the sway bar too, but can swear to it

 

hmmm, I remember reading some time ago that removing the lower ball joint wasnt' necessary and was a PITA to get re-aligned when putting the suspension backup. I thought there was another way - from the top instead of the bottom.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Reverend
[B]Yeah, you should remove it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]

Rev, I've been using one of these to pop ball joints (done the rear lowers about 5 billion times now ) instead of the gear puller type deal.

 

Al, I didn't have to use that tool on the front to get the coil over out.
I've only used it on the rear to do CV joints and diff stuff. You don't need it!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]Al, I didn't have to use that tool on the front to get the coil over out.
I've only used it on the rear to do CV joints and diff stuff.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Prolene
[B]RT, I really didn't think so!