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swapping control arms

Old 12-07-2013, 07:35 PM
  #1  
Shelty
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Default swapping control arms

ok, so I am replacing my front control arms with GT500 units....

anyone got good advice on how to break those balljoints free of the spindle? ive got the bolt out, but holy crap is it fighting me coming out. anyone got any tips? I went out an got a better pry bar to break the sucker loose, Ive almost got it out finally
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Old 12-09-2013, 02:39 PM
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JThor
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There are two tools. There is a "pickle fork" which is hammered between the ball joint and spindle the taper of the fork separates the two http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ntifier=466511.

There is also a ball joint removal tool which you can rent at a lot of parts stores. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=512957_0_0_
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Old 12-09-2013, 02:58 PM
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Derf00
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The pickle fork will probably work best and is cheaper, especially since you are not worried about damaging the old ball joints.

I'm getting ready to tackle this myself in few weeks so I've gotten:

* FRPP Control arms (GT500 basically)
* Updated sway bar links since they are also problematic. The updated ones are factory on 2010+. They have a finer thread pitch to hold torque better, red nylon inserts in the nut for locking, and a larger base nut on the link side so you can properly hold the link while torqueing down to 85 ft/lbs.
* New FRPP (GT500) strut mounts since mine also has the loose lumber sound when going over uneven surfaces
* New KYB struts. (and shocks for the rear) I've got around 55K on the car so since I have to tear it all apart, might as well.

The only thing I'm not getting (but I'm really thinking about) are FRPP lowering springs. But only to drop about an 1" . I don't want camber/caster plates or a bump steer kit if I drop more.
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Old 12-10-2013, 06:53 PM
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Shelty
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I got the driver side one loose, now im just trying to get the new ones in, doesnt seem to want to go in on the drivers side.

Ill have to drab some C clamps and thry to press it in
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