Hi,
I need to replace the steering gaitors on my 1990 C2 targa.

But im having difficulty with the tie-rod end ball joints. The nut came off ok and I carefully used a fork tool to pop the ball joint out.
However there isn't enough clearence under the shock tower to allow the ball joint / thread to come out.

I've seen the below comment on another thread.
Ok, now lift the ball joint stud out of the steering arm toward the rear of the car, rotating the ball joint as you do so. Otherwise the coilover will interfere and prevent the removal.

But no matter which way I twist/turn there just doesn't seem to be the clearence. I don't want to damage the thread by forcing it out.
This leaves two options as far as I can see?
- Try to unscrew ball joint at the steering tube end - but will it even come out then?
- Drop the suspension and disconnect the lower shock tower to move it up / out of the way

I fitted bilstein's last year so I know the latter option can be done.

Any advice would be welcome.

thanks

Garry

 

undo the tie rod instead and leave the ball joint. the threads are left and right so it's easy. Just take a measure on the threads so you can reset the toe-angle.

 

Ggoodwin - ThomasC2 has the best solution - the only other option you have is to remove the 2 allen bolts that hold the front shock in place and allow the hub to drop down so you can remove the ball joint -
You will then have to have your front suspension aligned again - you will probably want to do this to reset toe-in anyway - just to make sure you get your steering wheel set straight - as that is a pain to get right by just using an old measurement-