All,
Another day of one step forward, two steps back. I spent the evening after work with a coil spring compressor, and finally have both of the old coil springs out on the ground. After all the "war stories" I've read, that was a "sphincter-tightening" experience, but I'm happy to say no personal or equipment damage.
Now the bad news. The previous owner welded one of the coil spring saddles (perches) to the upper control arm (any idea why someone would do this?). Well, it looks like while I'm here, I'm going to go ahead and replace the upper control arms. Two questions for those who have done this job:

1. Do I need to replace both upper and lower control arms, or can I just replace the upper arms?

2+. What tool do I use to separate the upper control arm ball joint from the spindle? Will a pickle fork work, or do I need some kind of press? If a press, where is the best place to find one?

If there are any other tips, I'm happy to hear them. As always, thanks to those who can share their experience.

Hap.

 

the lower arm is so cheap it would be stupid not replace it while everything is taken apart.

as for seperating the ball joint the best thing is a hammer loosen the nut dont take it all the way off and hit the knuckle (the area around the stud on the ball joint) with the hammer it will fall apart after a few good wacks!

also this work on the lower and the tierods

 

IPickle fork and a hammer does the job,but I agree with the last post,replace the upper and lower control arms as complete units.For the money you invest you will be glad you did.

[IMG]local://upfiles/25247/D47A9D2D10664B05ACB79446E07C82E0.jpg[/IMG]

 

I agree with the guys above, replace upper and lower. I have a preference for Moog stuff, some of the garbage I've seen from the Mustang shops is a little discouraging. I stick to Napa, and pay a little more for Moog, or buy aftermarket modified arms.

I also like two 5lbs sledge hammers. One I hold against the knuckle, and hit the oposite side with the other. A couple of good whacks, basically just like rmodel65 said. Rediculously easy.
Why did he weld the spring perch in place? Who's to say, a spring perch is pretty cheap...speaking of which. If you are planning on keeping the car, I'd highly recommend Opentracker roller perches (I'm begining to sound like a broken record here ) They really work remarkably well.

Good luck,

Scott