is there a secret to replacing the lower ball joints on a 1999 without having to remove the drive axle? I'd rather not mess with the drive axle. Have been told that that's more of a headache than it's worth and to replace ball joints without tearing it completely apart.

 

Never heard of having to remove the drive shaft to replace the lower bj's? Maybe whoever told you this meant the tbars instead?

You can just put jack stands under the frame and keep a little tension on the lca's with another jack stand and jack to remove the lower ball joints. I replaced the bushings on my lca's when I did mine but I don't see why you would need to pull the tbar as long as you keep the lca supported.

 

stupid question, what is an lca?

forget i asked that. lca is the lower control arm i believe. the problem for me is the the roundness of the lower bj is hitting where the cv boot connects. i actually took a body grinder to the bottom of the bad bj's snd cut them off to get them out. getting the new ones in is impossible the way it sits now.

 

I have the same question for my 1991 S-10 - looks like I have to pull the hub assy out to at least be able to move the drive axle out of the way to be able to pull the ball joint stud out of the steering knuckle. The bulge on the LCA for the ball joint hits the outer CV joint when I lift up on the LCA, so I can't get the lower ball joint out. If anyone knows another trick, or if I need a puller to get the hub out. . .

 

This link has been very helpful for me - I knocked my axle in with a 5lb hammer and a little piece of 2x4. The CV joint could just bend enough out of the way to get at everything. Way simpler than I expected. I finished one side, I expect 2-3 hours to do the other side, now that I know what to expect.

Here;s the link

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=545573