Front Suspension Refresh - 89 Cab

david482 · 04-25-2019, 06:41 AM

I have a 89 Cab that is just about all stock. Burns very little if any oil with about 120K on the clock, got it form the original owner about 10 years ago. I did the rear suspension Elephant rubber bushings about 3 years ago and am finally tackling the front which is still original. I decided to go with the RSR from bushings to spice things up and new ball joints as long as I am taking things apart.

After reading through all the threads I am still a bit unsure what is the best way to remove the ball joints, do I remove the A arms first completely with the ball joints attached or remove the ball joints form the A arm while still attached to the car, seems to be about 50/50 from what I have read.

I will try and post pics as I go as this is the first time on the front suspension and looking forward to the fun and challenge.

Skepa122 · 04-25-2019, 08:29 AM

If you have the ball joint socket tool and want to use it for removal, I would say remove them with the A arms on the car. The A Arms will be held in place and you can use all of your strength to loosen them.

If you plan to cut the castle nut or beat it to death with a chisel, it may be easier to take the A arm off the car, secure it in a vice and go at it that way.

So I guess the answer is: It depends on your method of removal.

david482 · 04-25-2019, 08:33 AM

Thanks - does either option make it easier to remove from the strut?

Skepa122 · 04-25-2019, 09:40 AM

Leaving the Arm on the car makes it easier to move the strut pin with a hammer. If the hammer fails to move the pin (which it did on one side of my car), then taking the arm plus strut (together) to a shop to press the pin out is really easy.

david482 · 08-11-2019, 10:52 AM

I finally had a chance to get started and was able to get all of the parts removed without much problem, kind of surprising although the ball joints and struts were replaced 8-10 years ago, I think this helped in my getting the ball joints off, one was a bit stubborn to come off the strut.

The torsion bars seem to be in good shape, I removed them from the rear as the front caps have never been removed. Once I get everything all cleaned up and together will I be able to reassemble without having the front cap off? What is the best lube to use on the torsion bars?

david482 · 08-11-2019, 10:57 AM

david482 · 08-11-2019, 01:27 PM

One area that I think I messed up was the torsion bar adjusting cover. I counted the number of turns form both sides as I removed them but they came off as I removed the a-arms and I did not measure the angle or how they were installed. When I go tot out it back together is there a “starting point” I should use in re-installing the cap. When I did the rears it was a bit more straight forward on the angle of the spring plate. Any suggestions would be great.