Does anybody know if you can change the front suspension struts without splitting the ball joint on the lower arm?

Cheers

 

The lower arm is flanged on the hub carrier so even if you did need get some extra space you can drop the lower arm by releasing the flange bolts.

 

Yes just undo the two bolts that hold the upper suspension arm to the car and it will give you enough room to get it out.

 

Cheers - a couple of things to try. I replaced the rears yesterday and what a PITA it was trying to line up the holes on the bottom on the strut with the bush on the lower arm. I'm going to give the fronts a go this afternoon.
Cheers

 

A lot of folk seem to say the releasing of the upper arm is not enough.
it was for me I just had to push down on the lower arm with a crow bar to make a little extra space.
I believe that's ok

 

I think I was told that when replacing the rear shocks you must have the weight back on the wheels before tightening the bottom shock bolt, I could be mistaken.

 

Top wishbone released works for me on front.

 

No problem with just removing the top wishbone bolts , this give more than enough space to remove and install OEM and certainly meister Coil Overs , didn’t find the bottom bolt much of a problem either.

rear even easier , took Meisters off and fitted OEM in about an hour !

 

Not sure why this has been resurrected from 2014, but thanks for the helpful replies!

 

I just followed the post before mine, never check sell by dates either- much to the annoyance of the Boss lady.