[383SBC]

Hey guys I am currently replacing the suspension and brakes on the front of my 1980 camaro z28 but I can not figure out how to remove the ball joints from the A-arms. It seems as though maybe they are seized on there after 30 plus years but all the hammering in the world doesn't seem to budge them. I would like to know if there is another method before continuing, I've included pics below.





Thanks,
Keith

[ericnova72]

Upper ball joint is held in by four solid rivets, you need to gring the heads off the rivets and drive them out to remove them, the replacements will bolt in using the original rivet locations.

The lower ball joint is a press fit into the arm, you need to rent a ball joint press(loks like a big specialized C-clamp) or have them pressed out using a hydraulic press.

[poncho62]

By the looks of that picture, you need to be careful that the spring doesn't come flying out of there and taking your head off. I know the shock is in there, but that one looks pretty old.

When doing a job like that, I keep the spring compressed by having my jack stand under the lower "A" frame.....I hammer the bottom ball joint out, might need to heat it a little. I then press the ball joint in with the floor jack, using the weight of the car to do it.

[302 Z28]

I agree with Poncho, that spring is waiting to kill someone. Either secure it with something or remove it entirely.

Vince