Lower Control Arm Removal

[ramrod9cars]

Looking to replace my 2000x lower contrl arms as the ball joint drops in without being pressed into place. I've checked the threads that discuss the R&R of 1995+ Fron Chassis components but can't find the procedure that talks about the torsion arms and how to release the tension. The factory manual talks about a torsion bar tool & adapters and the local autozone guys checked out their tool set; there must be another way to relieve the tension. thanks

 

[SVTmountianeer]

If I remember correctly on my 97 mounty i marked the torsions with a marker on bolted the lower control arm an slid right out, also have it high enough so the torsions are relived of tension

 

[techieman33]

Get rid of the puller, that is dangerous.

Unbolt everything from the lower control arm, except the ball joints. If you need the lower ball joints loose to work on, do those first. The pressure from the torsion bars will help to break the lower ball joints loose. Use a sledge hammer to hit the spindle on the inside section next to the LBJ, with the nut out 1/8" or so. Once the LBJ lets go you can handle it without a hammer.

Remove the torsion bar adjustment bolts, and the covers there. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm, with it about 18" from the ground. Remove the upper ball joint pinch bolt, and work that ball joint out of the spindle(tap with a hammer etc). Lower the floor jack, and remove the torsion bar by hand, easy.

 

[ramrod9cars]

Thanks, techieman33 for CDW6212R's advice to rizzjc thread "New Front End Coming Soon". I too am rebuilding the front end, ordered the same lower arms from Rock Auto. uppers from Ebay. Couldn't wait to get all the parts at the same time, the new ball joints in the original lower arms were loose - able to push em in by hand. The whole front end shook - dangerous & embarrassing. Looks like there's a seal in the steeering knuckle, has anyone replaced one? The passenger side seal is on the CV shaft outside of the knuckle. I assume its installed from the wheel bearing side and not on the outside. Has anyone had the problem of locating one of these?