[64kustomkaddy]

I was wondering if I would have to compress front springs in order to take off upper control arms on my 1967 elcamino?

[OneMoreTime]

Yes and remove the springs and shocks before removing the control arm..

Sam

[poncho62]

Lower control arm....yes.

For the upper, as long as you kept the weight on the spring (jack stand under lower "A" frame at spring), the upper should just unbolt. As an added safety precaution, you can take the shock out and put a piece of threaded rod down through there to hold the spring compressed.

[joe_padavano]

I've done this many times. I usually just leave the shock in place. It does a fine job of holding the spring and lower control arm in place, thought I do usually support the car under the lower control arm to keep the spring compressed. It helps to get the ball joint stud back into place.

[67Elcamino]

Yes now I recall to put a jack under the lower arm to keep the spring somewhat compressed. Should the ball joint come right off or does it have to be pried off with a fork.. I usually tend to hammer the crap out of them outto frustration.. Just wondering Im using a ball joint splitter, turned it many times and its not popping out just dont want to risk ruining the ball joint

[67Elcamino]

hahaha Just realized that 67Elcamino and 64KustomKaddy is me... Didnt realize I previously had an account before creating anew one..

[67Elcamino]

Yep I did it. As Iwas using the pitman arm removal tool. I spread the bolt of the ball joint and cant take it off. Should it be this tough? show the tool had popped it out easily?