Before I rent the ball joint press...

[dantimdad]

Which direction do the ball joints press out?

I know it sounds stupid that I don't know. Sorry.

Steven

[lolife99]

Lower ball joints press out towards the ground,... away from the spindle.

[dantimdad]

Thanks a lot!

Steven

[HEI451]

PLEASE, be very careful if you are doing this on the vehicle. The springs store a LOT of energy, and if they aren't held at their compressed lengths, they can be a real hazard, and can even kill if they get away from a repairman.

I made a simple "spring compressor" holder, threaded shaft and two cross bars, two nuts. I remove anything inside the spring, like a shock, and install my holder, bar on top, bar on bottom, nuts both ends, and tighten until the spring cannot extend. Then, I can work on the front end, still very carefully. Also makes reassembly a lot easier.

No matter how you do it, please, be careful.

[dantimdad]

Thanks. But, the entire front end is disassembled... except for the lower ball joints.

I just ordered all new ball joints, tie rod ends, sleeves, control arm shaft bushings and picked up new zirc fittings for the rest.

Basically, everything but the idler arm and pitman arm is getting replaced. Those look like they are barely used.

I am dropping the control arms and cross member off at the blasters this week.

Steven