So I got to thinking about how I'm gonna be tearing the front end apart to replace the ball joints this weekend, and I thought hell, I should just go ahead and install the front Motosport "P" springs that have been kicking around my garage for almost a year. Since I have to have it aligned after the ball joints anyway, I figure it makes sense.

Now, what else needs to go along with a spring install? I plan to rent a macpherson spring compressor from the parts store. I've heard talk of camber bolts...do I need those too? P springs are only an inch drop, for reference.

 

If you are just replacing ball joints, and don’t disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle, then you do not need an alignment. If you unbolt the strut from the steering knuckle and/or change the springs, however, then you do need an alignment.

I’m not sure camber bolts will do anything on your ride. Good luck...

 

Hmm...Well, that's interesting, because the place that did my inspection and told me my ball joint was bad was also very insistent I would need an alignment. Sigh....

I dunno, I've noticed it pulling to the left lately so maybe it does need one anyway.

 

They are kind of correct. It all depends on how you remove the ball joint. It is (much) easier to install/remove the nut on the top of the ball joint with the strut unbolted from the steering knuckle. If you unbolt the strut from the knuckle then you need an alignment. If you don’t unbolt the strut it is a tight squeeze to get to the nut and the cotter pin in the nut. You’ll need an open end wrench to get to the nut.

Getting an alignment is something that needs to be done periodically anyways, so I would just unbolt the strut from the steering knuckle and save myself a bunch of time and frustration. Also give myself a lot more room with the steering knuckle out of the way. Make sure to put a jack under the control arm because the strut is what holds the control arm up, which holds the spring in place. You don’t want the spring popping out at you. Very dangerous.

Good luck...

 

You're thinking of the Fox platform...the S197's have a traditional Macpherson strut assembly with the spring on the strut. But I'm sure the ball joint situation is the same way.