Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

You don't need to touch a ball joint as you only need two inches to spin the shaft over and bolt it back up. In my shop I would be done with this job in less than one hour.

[Michael B.]

Re: Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

For those in the Toronto area, The Parts Source loans out tools like spring compressors. I used theirs the last time and just had to rig in my own plate at the bottom to make it all work correctly.

I don't recall a thrust bearing. I kept the rod very well lubricated while turning.
And since what I really need is that threaded rod for one use I'll go with the loaner because the acme rod is about $50-60 for a 3' section.

And it appears Lyle has done this before without disturbing the ball joint.

Thanks again all.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

I change original springs without disturbing a ball joint. I scrap any ball joints I use a pickle fork on.

[Michael B.]

Re: Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

Dun !!

Got the spring compressor, ran it through the shock tower, pulled up the
j-hooks on the 2nd coil (chained the spring) and pulled up the spring until there was no load on the lower arm, unloaded the bolts slowly, testing for movement and slowly lowered the control arm (it was jacked up just a bit for control). Unbolted the rod fully, rotate, rebolted arm, unloaded spring, removed chain, changed underwear.

My wife was standing ready to press "1" on the phone (9 + 1 had already been pressed). Whole job, including cleanup working very slowly took about an hour.

Thanks for all the guidance from everyone. Greatly appreciated.

Michael B.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Ok, I'm a moron ! Second opinion would help.

Great. LOVE it when a plan comes together.

When I bought my 69 about 10 years ago, I had the same situation on one lower A frame.

Did just what you did, using the "plate and allthread" spring compressor.

Flipped the shaft over, and bolted it up correctly.

Chuck