Lower ball joint replacement.

[Olds2840]

First post here so here goes.

I have a 1981 Cutlass 20 years ago I put Energy Suspension polyurethane
Bushings and ball joint in car.

I noticed last year I had some wondering while driving. So this year after doing some checking I put a new centerlink on took car to shop to see what else I needed.

So I need lower ball joints and an upper control offset shaft for both sides.
Moogs kit comes with new rubber bushings.

Can I put new rubber bushings on upper and leave the poly on bottom?

Can I use the Advanced Auto rental tool and do the lower ball joint while still is car with jack under lower control arm holding spring in or do I just be done and drop spring?

The car sees about 1000 miles a year and a temperature controlled garage.

 

[tetomas]

You can change the ball joint with the spring still in the car. Leave the shock absorber in place, ease the jack down to get working room, the shock will keep the spring in place. You can just drive the old joint out, but you will need the tool to reinstall it.

 

[Fox80]

You can do the ball joint with the arm on the car, I say its actually easier, but I would leave the jack under the control arm if the shock seperates you will have the spring in your face. You could put rubber bushings with poly, but if you do make sure they are not tightened to the arm untill the car is sitting on the ground, as to not bind the bushing

 

[Olds2840]

Thank you for the responses. I will be using a jack for safety reasons when doing lower ball joint.

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