Front suspension teardown

[bbowser]

OK this is probably a dumb question. I've got my '67 short-step blown apart in the barn and the frame up on jackstands. I am to the point of tearing apart the front suspension for cleaning/painting. All sheet metal is off except the cab, the engine and rearend are out. I can't jack the lower A arms to compress the springs to loosen the balljoints, it just lifts the whole truck. What's the best/safest/easiest way to proceed?

[SCOTI]

Rachet strap or chain around the a-arms so you can loosen the castle nuts off the BJ's & separate things. If you plan on getting new parts, a torch to cut the springs in half would work too.

[raycow]

Use a floor jack under the lower control arm. Run a chain under the jack and over the frame rail or crossmember. Pull the chain tight and bolt the ends together. Start jacking carefully until you can be sure the chain isn't going to slip.

Ray

[baclay9]

If you go to O'reily's you can borrow a coil spring compressor for free.