ja78911sc

I have searched and could not find anything on ball joint replacement.

I have access to a lift, pickle forks & a press. Any tips on removal and install? or a thread with pics?

Thanks!
Jim

FeralComprehension

Easy-peasy, really, especially if you're replacing and don't need to worry about protecting the boots on the ones you're removing. Mine (stock, from 1990) came out without any drama whatsoever. IIRC I did replace the hardware.

ja78911sc

Thanks Feral. What hardware did you replace? Is a press used to install the new joint in the control arm?

Vandit

I'm not sure about removing the ball joint from the spindle, since I decided to leave mine together when I tore apart my suspension recently. The ball joint seem to be in good condition and the boots were not torn.

To remove the ball joint from the arm, I undid and removed the escentric, and I loosened, but didn't totally remove the nut on the pressed in pivot bolt. With the nut on end of the bolt, I then hit the bolt/nut w/ a mallet and after a few blows, the ball joint comes off the stud and the stud stays on the arm.

I haven't reassembled anything yet, but I assume I can just use the nut to reinstall the ball joint back onto the stud at reassembly.

RSAErick

I'd suggest marking the position of the eccentric, relative to the control arm, so that you can maintain your alignment settings when you install your new ball joint. Otherwise, it's an easy replacment. The most difficult part is getting the ball joint out of the upright. I used a Pitman/tie-rod puller to pop it out.

Good luck.

ja78911sc

Thanks for the input guys!

RSAErick, are you still running a 22mm front bar with a 19mm adjustable in the rear? I purchased a used 19mm adjustable on Pelican

RSAErick

Yep, still running the same stock 22mm bar up front with the 19mm adjustable rear. But now with MUCH stiffer springs and adjustable shocks. The car still rotates beautifully, as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to add the adjustable RS sway bar up front, but wonder what that will do for me, since the handling is already neutral.

I think that you'll love the 19mm bar set to full firm - significantly reduces the frustrating understeer. Especially in the slower corners.

Best of luck!