Lower Ball Joint Replacement

• Apr 9, 2020

• #1

Commando66

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Jan 19, 2012

Messages

87

Reaction score

134

Location

Mount Vernon, WA

I’m going to be replacing the lower ball joints on my 67 Belvedere. My question is, do I need to back off the torsion bars before I split the spindle and ball joint?

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #2

S

steve340

Well-Known Member

Local time

12:46 PM

Joined

Jul 7, 2018

Messages

1,327

Reaction score

1,101

Location

New Zealand

I think it would pay to.

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #3

70chall440

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Feb 11, 2018

Messages

4,579

Reaction score

6,344

Location

Yelm, Washington

I do not believe you do (I never have).

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #4

70chall440

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Feb 11, 2018

Messages

4,579

Reaction score

6,344

Location

Yelm, Washington

Consult the FSM..

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #5

Commando66

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Jan 19, 2012

Messages

87

Reaction score

134

Location

Mount Vernon, WA

I don’t have a FSM.

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #5

BeepBeepRR

Well-Known Member

Local time

8:46 PM

Joined

Oct 16, 2016

Messages

9,606

Reaction score

15,012

Location

Atlanta,Ga

Commando66 said:

I don’t have a FSM.

Click to expand...

Annnnnd just like that now you do. http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=109

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #6

R

R/T Boy 67

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Apr 23, 2018

Messages

1,648

Reaction score

1,646

Location

Nanaimo B.C. Canada

If the car is blocked up under the k frame or the sub frame, then you have to. If you block it up under the lower control arms then you don't, but make sure it is blocked well.

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #7

khryslerkid

FBBO Gold Member

FBBO Gold Member

Local time

8:46 PM

Joined

Mar 10, 2010

Messages

29,608

Reaction score

51,164

Location

Hanover, Pennslyvania

R/T Boy 67 said:

If the car is blocked up under the k frame or the sub frame, then you have to. If you block it up under the lower control arms then you don't, but make sure it is blocked well.

Click to expand...

I miss thunk it. It's the upper arm that bottoms out on the frame. You are correct. Thanks

 

• Apr 9, 2020

• #8

Commando66

Well-Known Member

Local time

5:46 PM

Joined

Jan 19, 2012

Messages

87

Reaction score

134

Location

Mount Vernon, WA

Thanks

 

• Apr 10, 2020

• #9

JimCoronette

Well-Known Member

Local time

8:46 PM

Joined

Oct 30, 2018

Messages

861

Reaction score

1,220

Location

Cold Spring, NY

I always unwind them.

There are ways to do it without unwinding the T bars, but one slip and something might get broken or maimed

 

• Apr 10, 2020

• #10

Demonic

Well-Known Member

Local time

8:46 PM

Joined

Jun 5, 2017

Messages

2,035

Reaction score

2,016

Location

Maryland

It is safer to back them off. If the lower arm is free of the spindle, the torsion bar has nothing to stop it from being forced around till it hits the K frame, other than the weight on the jackstand.

 

• Apr 10, 2020

• #11

YY1

Well-Known Member

Local time

8:46 PM

Joined

Jun 26, 2010

Messages

26,421

Reaction score

22,606

Location

FL

I just put a stand under the frame and keep the jack under the LCA.

You can lower the jack to relieve the pressure gradually once you get the bolts out.

Saves a TON of time and effort.

 

• Apr 10, 2020

• #12

4mulas

Well-Known Member

Local time

6:46 PM

Joined

Mar 16, 2017

Messages

1,922

Reaction score

2,071

Location

Just North of Montana

Exactly what @R/T Boy 67 said