Do I need special tools for this job?

I had done this procedure before, but that was 5 years ago. This DIY article was a good reminder of the steps and order to be done.

One tool that makes this procedure simple is the hinged ball joint separator sold by Harbor Frieght.
1. Loosen the nut on outer ball joint.
2. Unbolt the front shocks and move them slightly out of the way. you need to make sure the rotor / hub is supported so it doesn't flop around...much easier with a second pair of hands
3. Attach the Harbor Freight ball joint seperator and keep tightening until the joint pops.
4. Turns a 30 minute step into ~2 minutes.

Another step which makes the process easier is having a bottle jack placed under the inner ball joint to make sure its pressed firmly against the chassis rail.

My friend and I had both control arms replaced and everything tightened up within 3 hours. Super easy job.

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[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Thanks for the tips for our readers

- Nick