Need Help - Replacing Spindles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BLUE SQUARE · 08-02-2012, 02:35 PM

Gents-

I have an 87 swb, and I am lowering my truck. I have already installed the flip kit, shackels and C-notch on the rear. Now I want to install my front 2.5 spendles and springs. Anybody have advice on how to tackle this? I'm trying not to damage the ball joints. Any help would be much appreciated.

BLUE SQUARE

Grip · 08-02-2012, 02:47 PM

The way to pop the ball joints loose without using a pickle fork is simple. Take the cotter pin out, loosen the nut ( but do NOT remove it). Put a floor jack under the spring bucket on the lower a-arm but do not put pressure on the lower a-arm. The jack is there as a safety. The coil spring will help the ball joints to separate. Now, take a BFH ( Big F-ing Hammer ) and hit the spindle where the upper ballpoint pin goes through the spindle. Continue to strike it until the taper separates. Repeat the procedure on the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Once you have all three joints separated, jack up the floor jack until you can take the nuts off by hand. Pt the new spindle in place and tighten the nuts.
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**leddzepp** · 08-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grip

The way to pop the ball joints loose without using a pickle fork is simple. Take the cotter pin out, loosen the nut ( but do NOT remove it). Put a floor jack under the spring bucket on the lower a-arm but do not put pressure on the lower a-arm. The jack is there as a safety. The coil spring will help the ball joints to separate. Now, take a BFH ( Big F-ing Hammer ) and hit the spindle where the upper ballpoint pin goes through the spindle. Continue to strike it until the taper separates. Repeat the procedure on the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Once you have all three joints separated, jack up the floor jack until you can take the nuts off by hand. Pt the new spindle in place and tighten the nuts.
Posted via Mobile Device

x 2. This is the best way to do it.

BLUE SQUARE · 08-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Exactly the info that I was looking for, Grip. I have removed with a Pickle fork in the past, but it destroyed my ball joints. In this case, my ball joints are in great shape and I don't want to damage them.

I should only need to re-grease my bearings (Provided they are in good shape), right? I don't think that I need anything else, but of course, I won't find out until I'm half way into it.

Thanks

BLUE SQUARE

KQQL IT · 08-02-2012, 04:08 PM

New grease seals while your there.
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BLUE SQUARE · 08-02-2012, 04:55 PM

Grease Seals? Okay, I guess these are available at Autozone or Pep Boys, right? I will buy some before I get started. Thanks for the heads up.

BLUE SQUARE

87squarebody · 08-02-2012, 09:53 PM

Thats the way also make sure once you break the ball joint loose from spindle before you take the lower ball joint nut off you have to pull the brake dust shield close to the rotor or it will get tore up.

08-02-2012, 02:35 PM	#1
BLUE SQUARE Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Fontana California Posts: 97	Need Help - Replacing Spindles Gents- I have an 87 swb, and I am lowering my truck. I have already installed the flip kit, shackels and C-notch on the rear. Now I want to install my front 2.5 spendles and springs. Anybody have advice on how to tackle this? I'm trying not to damage the ball joints. Any help would be much appreciated. BLUE SQUARE

08-02-2012, 02:47 PM	#2
Grip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Conyers, Ga. Posts: 121	Re: Need Help - Replacing Spindles The way to pop the ball joints loose without using a pickle fork is simple. Take the cotter pin out, loosen the nut ( but do NOT remove it). Put a floor jack under the spring bucket on the lower a-arm but do not put pressure on the lower a-arm. The jack is there as a safety. The coil spring will help the ball joints to separate. Now, take a BFH ( Big F-ing Hammer ) and hit the spindle where the upper ballpoint pin goes through the spindle. Continue to strike it until the taper separates. Repeat the procedure on the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Once you have all three joints separated, jack up the floor jack until you can take the nuts off by hand. Pt the new spindle in place and tighten the nuts. Posted via Mobile Device

08-02-2012, 03:12 PM	#4
BLUE SQUARE Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Fontana California Posts: 97	Re: Need Help - Replacing Spindles Exactly the info that I was looking for, Grip. I have removed with a Pickle fork in the past, but it destroyed my ball joints. In this case, my ball joints are in great shape and I don't want to damage them. I should only need to re-grease my bearings (Provided they are in good shape), right? I don't think that I need anything else, but of course, I won't find out until I'm half way into it. Thanks BLUE SQUARE

08-02-2012, 04:08 PM	#5
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,131	Re: Need Help - Replacing Spindles New grease seals while your there. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

08-02-2012, 04:55 PM	#6
BLUE SQUARE Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Fontana California Posts: 97	Re: Need Help - Replacing Spindles Grease Seals? Okay, I guess these are available at Autozone or Pep Boys, right? I will buy some before I get started. Thanks for the heads up. BLUE SQUARE

08-02-2012, 09:53 PM	#7
87squarebody Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Lakeland fl Posts: 67	Re: Need Help - Replacing Spindles Thats the way also make sure once you break the ball joint loose from spindle before you take the lower ball joint nut off you have to pull the brake dust shield close to the rotor or it will get tore up.



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