Remove ABS sensor
using a 9/32" socket
Free Ball Joints
Remove the grease fitting from the bottom ball joint and support the lower control arm with a jack with a piece of wood between. Use a pickel fork to free the ball joints. Todd suggests a big hammer to smack the sides of the spindle. No chance of damaging the joint if you are reusing the ball joints. Caution: These springs store alot of energy so please use proper precautions to keep them in place.
Lower ball joint nut - 15/16" wrench
Upper ball joint nut - 7/8" wrench
Remove Spindle and Spring
Leave the top ball joint nut on loosly to hold the spindle, and lower the bottom control arm slowly. Remove the top nut and remove the spindle. (These will need to be returned to TCE.) You can now remove the spring.
NOTE: remove spring only if changing control arms
Remove Lower Control Arm
Remove 2, 7/8" A-Arm bolts.
NOTE: remove only if changing control arms.
Remove Upper Control Arm
Loosen brake line clamps on the drivers side to aid in removal of upper control arm. Keep track of the shims, so that they can be replaced during installation. This will keep your alignment somewhat close.
NOTE: remove only if changing control arms.
Install Upper Ball Joints
Torque the 4 1/4 x 28 nuts to 8 ft.lbs.
Install Upper Control Arm Bump Stop
These were reused from the old A-Arms
Install the Control Arm Shield and Upper Control Arm
It is easiest to install the shields when the A-Arms are removed. Torque control arm shaft nuts to 92 ft.lbs.
Install Lower Control Arm and Replace Spring
Torque lower control arm nut (arm to frame bolts) to 107 ft.lbs. Install the lower ball joint boot. A spring compressor may be needed to reinstall the springs. Mine went in with a few taps of a hammer while raising the lower control arm with a jack. Be sure to remove the grease fitting from the lower ball joint before jacking it. Align the bottom end of the spring between the 2 holes in the lower control arm. Make sure the top is aligned with the protrusions in the frame. Make sure the spring in inserted correctly - flat/ground end on top, round end into the arm. Tape the spring insulator to the top of the spring to keep it in place. Install the lower ball joint boot.