69 Front Spindle Removal

[Michael C.]

Is it possible (and safe) to remove the front spindles without dealing with the springs? The service manual has instructions for inspecting and removal of the lower control arm spherical joint. In summary the manual says to support the lower control arm, then remove the stud nuts. It says nothing specifically about removing the spindle, but it seems "obvious" that the spindle has to be removed in order to replace the joints. Am I missing something? My primary objective at this point is to clean up the spindles and possibly replace the ball joints.

The car is on jack stands and I've already removed everything up to and including the hubs. The ball joints were replaced many years ago so the rivets have already been replaced with bolts.
Thanks,
Mike

[Tom E.]

Re: 69 Front Spindle Removal

Carl,
No, it is not possible to remove the front spindles without dealing with the springs. And if you were to release the tension on either the upper or lower ball joint without compressing the spring you could be seriously injured or killed.
Tom

[Vernon S.]

Re: 69 Front Spindle Removal

Michael, Yes you can remove the spindle without messing with the spring. Jack under the lower control arm. I like to jack as close to the wheel as possible without interfering with the ball joint. Make sure the full weight of the car is on the jack and the wheel is off the ground. The upper end of the spring is seated into a pocket in the frame. At this point you can loosen the nut on the ball joint and break it free. You can separate the spindle from the ball joint by use of a puller or a pickle fork. At this point you can swing the upper control arm upward and remove the spindle. Hope this helps.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Front Spindle Removal

Hmmm...two very different opinions. Maybe my "summary" of the service manual was inadequate. It does say to "support the lower control arm at outer end on floor jack, with hoist or hoist or jack pad..." Sounds like that is consistent with Vernon's opinion. Does this sound more safe Tom?

If I decide to attempt this, I'll find a way to hold the lower control arm (and spring) to avoid issues with the floor jack "fading" and releasing the compression force.

[Joseph S.]

Re: 69 Front Spindle Removal

Michael, If you leave the shock in place while you jack the control arm, there is no way that the spring can come out.

[Tom E.]