Replacing lower ball joints advice

[xx88man]

Next weekend I plan on replacing my lower ball joints.... there isn't much info online but I did read that I can do it without removing the torsion bar. Can someone tell me what to expect on these cars as in how much time this will take and what I should expect? I assume I just need a jack, a pickle fork, a hammer and basic hand tools? It is a 1971 Challenger and I'm pretty sure it's all original. Thanks in advance.
 

[RUNCHARGER]

Yup: I think you have it actually. No reason to mess with the T-bars. Undo the tie rod end, pickle it, unbolt the BJ from the spindle and replace. 1hr tops? Usually the only hiccup is if the cotter pins are rusted badly.

[Rich G.]

Make sure you support the lower control arm also before you unbolt the spindle from the ball joint.

[1 Wild R/T]

If you're gonna do the ball joint without doing the lower bushings your wasting your time... 

[xx88man]

Thanks for the advice guys!

If you're gonna do the ball joint without doing the lower bushings your wasting your time... 

I assume you are meaning the LCA bushings? Sorry for my ignorance.... are you saying these will definitely be worn out too? How much is involved in replacing the lower bushings? Thanks again

[1 Wild R/T]

Lower ball joints are steel, and lubricated.. Bushings are rubber, they both support the car, they both absorb movement any time the suspension travels... If the ball joints are worm the bushings are shot...

The lower control arm bushings are likely the most ignored and neglected parts of your suspension...

How well do you know Sheldon?

[xx88man]

How well do you know Sheldon?

I have met Sheldon on a few occasions..... why do you ask?

[1 Wild R/T]

Because it would be a heck of a lot easier for him to explain in person than for me to type out how to change the lower bushings...

[xx88man]

Because it would be a heck of a lot easier for him to explain in person than for me to type out how to change the lower bushings...

That's understandable. Hey @RUNCHARGER   Maybe you have time this weekend to come see my Challenger and explain it to me?

[RUNCHARGER]

Oh yeah for sure: I hope to be picking up a new motorcycle but that should only take a day.

[1 Wild R/T]

Sheldon, sorry for volunteering you but your close & btdt so it's the best way for someone to learn

[anlauto]

I just did a set of LCA bushings on Friday....I would say it's a pretty involved job needing some pretty decent tools.
I use a 20 ton press, a pipe sleeve, a welder, etc... just to change the bushing.
In my opinion the LCA has to come right out of the car, meaning removal of the torsion bar, strut rod, lower ball joint connecting...

It's really involved.

If they can be done in the car...I would love to hear how it's done...

[1 Wild R/T]

Where did anyone say anything about doing it on the car? It is a big job, but it's worth doing, changing lower ball joints rarely makes a significant difference in how the car drives... Lower bushing almost always do..

[dodj]

/quote]
I'd watch that video! Probably on Penn and teller.

[anlauto]

I agree 1000% about replacing them, but I guess I just got the idea the original poster was looking for something he can swap out in a weekend....I figured his car was a driver and not going under a complete restoration. Maybe I'm wrong ?

Anybody restoring a car or a car's front suspension and steering and NOT replacing the LCA bushings is just wacko

We talk about many different methods of doing a job on here, if there is a method for doing them in the car I would like to hear it...that's all