[Rustbucket]

Replacing springs

I've got a 72 & I'm taking out my 2" hotchkis lowering springs & putting stock BB springs in.

I've got everything off down to the spindle and the castle nut off the lower ball joint (supported by a jack) but the spindle wont come off. I've given it a bunch of good whacks with a hammer trying to shake it loose but it wont come off. I think the problem is that the lowered springs are fairly relaxed & wont push the lower ball joint off the spindle. I've even had both castle nuts off and neither will break loose off the spindle.

If I have to I'll use a pickle fork but I dont want to mangle up my ball joint boots.

Any other way you can think of?

Thanks,
-Phil

 

[TizzDizz]

I just replaced my spindles/brakes, and had to use a pickle fork. My boots came out unscathed. Just be careful when positioning the tips of the fork so that no rubber gets caught or pinched. Other than that, I'm not sure what will work.

 

[69LT1Nova]

Make your own tool with $3 worth of hardware. This is how I've done it in the past, and it works great. No swearing, no bloody knuckles. :yes:

Materials needed:
two .75” bolts
one .75” coarse thread, all-thread coupler

Drill or mill the center of the bolt heads so they don't slip off the ball joint studs:

Tah-dah! Easy as it can be:

Be sure to loosen the castle nuts, but LEAVE THEM ON! If you don't, the spring will go flying once you release the tension.

 

[Rustbucket]

Make your own tool with $3 worth of hardware. This is how I've done it in the past, and it works great. No swearing, no bloody knuckles. :yes:

Materials needed:
two .75” bolts
one .75” coarse thread, all-thread coupler

Drill or mill the center of the bolt heads so they don't slip off the ball joint studs:

Tah-dah! Easy as it can be:

Be sure to loosen the castle nuts, but LEAVE THEM ON! If you don't, the spring will go flying once you release the tension.

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a ton.

-Phil

 

[69LT1Nova]

Not a problem Phil, that's what we're here for. NPHNP.

 

[Pauls72]

Should you ever ruin a ball joint or other suspension boot:
NAPA and other full service auto parts stores have replacment rubber boots.
Energy Suspension makes polyurthane boots which are available from Jeg's, Summitt, Just Suspension, etc...

http://www.justsuspension.com/chass...om/chassis-parts&make=47&model=472&year=14227

 

[Rustbucket]

Thanks Paul72

BTW:

I made mine out of 3/4 threaded rod, 2 nuts and the coupler - cost $10 at lowes. Welded the nuts to the rod to make a cup shape.

Took me 2 minutes to break it loose.

Once again, thanks!