I am doing the LS1 brake upgrade and I'm thinking of replacing the balljoints since the body has 130K miles on it. I know they are a pain to replace but can I replace the bottom one without pullling the a-arm?
Anyone had luck with the Autozone loaner tool?
Thanks!

 

I actually bought one of the press tools. I can't remember how easy it came out (over 2 years ago) but i remember it didn't want to go in! the reason is the way the control arma are made. They are boxed in unlike other vehicles and the way the hole is cut you can't get the tool in there straight to press it in. I did manage to get it in there but I can't remember how now

 

I rented one of the press tools as well. Same story, got it out fine, but didn't want to go in all the way. Took lots of effort to get that thing seated properly.

 

You can do it with the arm on the car. But at this point it's really easy to pull the lower control arm-just two bolts. Also it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace your LCA and UCA bushings while you are in there (that's what I did during my LS1 swap).

 

The A-arm nuts also have the cotter pins don't they? I hate those things. Had to cut them on the knuckle nuts because otherwise they wouldn't come off. I even broke my needlenose pliers and they still wouldn't come off. I'll try it with the arm on first.

 

The A-arm nuts are just plain nuts-no cotter pins. The bolt heads have a clip that prevents hem from coming loose, but it just sits in a hole on the k-member.

 

I removed the knuckle and took out the lower balljoint with the a-arm on the car. Tried to put a new one in today but I couldn't get it to go in straight... what a PITA. I was too tired to keep trying. I'll try to finish it tomorrow.
Thanks guys.