Lo stalling lowering coils need answer ASAP

[WATSON403]

So I have a quick and maybe dumb question but I'm installing lowering coils front and back and I'm in the process of taking the old front coils out and I'm wondering if I'm supposed to split the upper or lower ball joint or if it really matters and if I can do this without splitting the tie rod cause the cotter pin is anll bent to **** and in a weird angle thanks a lot!

[Evoracer]

Separate the lower ball joint from the spindle. You don't have to mess with the tie rod.

[WATSON403]

Originally Posted by Evoracer

Separate the lower ball joint from the spindle. You don't have to mess with the tie rod.

Ok thanks it just looks like it would be so much easier to separate the upper

[Rust-O-Matic]

I don't know what the "correct" procedure is, but I split the top ones on my '66. No need to touch the tie rod ends. You will need to take the rubber brake line loose if you split the top ball joint, because the spindle/brakes/etc. will go down with the lower control arm. If you split the bottom joint this is probably not necessary. My upper joint was easier to get to though.

I'm sure you are already aware, but be sure to put the truck on stands and keep a jack under the lower arm to slowly let it down once the ball joint is separated. There's a sh*t-ton of pressure trapped in that spring, and it will fly out of there and ruin your day (or life) if not handled correctly.

[WATSON403]

Originally Posted by Rust-O-Matic

I don't know what the "correct" procedure is, but I split the top ones on my '66. No need to touch the tie rod ends. You will need to take the rubber brake line loose if you split the top ball joint, because the spindle/brakes/etc. will go down with the lower control arm. If you split the bottom joint this is probably not necessary. My upper joint was easier to get to though.

I'm sure you are already aware, but be sure to put the truck on stands and keep a jack under the lower arm to slowly let it down once the ball joint is separated. There's a sh*t-ton of pressure trapped in that spring, and it will fly out of there and ruin your day (or life) if not handled correctly.

Ok thanks I'm gunna do the upper I didn't know about the brake line thanks

[Evoracer]

I split the lower as to not have to juggle the weight of the spindle & brake set up. Ymmv

[nxtruck]

Originally Posted by Evoracer

I split the lower as to not have to juggle the weight of the spindle & brake set up. Ymmv

X2. This is the way I used to replace the springs in my '65.

[chevy_mike]

Do the lower and save yourself a lot of hassle of dealing with the spindle, brake lines, etc. You have to get the lower arm really low (almost vertical) to get the springs in and out. I highly recommend you throw a chain or tie down through the spring and lower arm so it doesn't come shooting out and seriously hurt you or someone.

[WATSON403]

I split the top ball joints and got the springs out with not much hassle the worst part was the damn cotter pins

[brokenspoke]

Originally Posted by WATSON403

I split the top ball joints and got the springs out with not much hassle the worst part was the damn cotter pins

If the cotter pins are your biggest problem your home free...