Am considering replacing the upper and lower ball joints on my '69 with front disc brakes. What am I getting into, how long should it take and what special tools might I need? Would I be better off letting a front end shop do the job? Thanks for comments...

If you have a garage/car port to work out of and some hand tools it's a greasy, labor-intensive project, but well worth it.

A shop would probably take you for more money that it's worth, if you don't like getting dirty, but they would only change the parts, not sand blast, paint and do the little things that make a difference.

Now that's said. A Chilton's or a Chevelle service manual will describe all the procedures for disassemby/reassembly.

There are tricks, like using a spring compressor (I have done it without it), popping the ball joints safely from the a-arm, and you oughta replace the A-Arm bushings while you have it apart.

I bought a $35 Harbor Freight ball joint tool to pop out & reinstall lower ball joints, the uppers have rivits you grind off and bolt the new ones in.

A machine shop can change the A-arm bushings and install your new ones for like $5 each.

Then sand blast/wire wheel what you want and reassemble.

Things you are likely to need if you get crazy.
Tie Rod ends, alignment, new front coils, bolt kit if you take the inner fenders out (totally optional), & brakes hoses.

So, I think anyone who works on cars could do it, It can take anywhere from a weekend to ????? depending how much you wanna dig.
:eek: graemlins/thumbsup.gif

DG....Thanks for your response and insight, I appreciate the help. Have just placed rebuilt 396 with 4-speed Muncie in car and hoping to start up real soon. Front end work will come soon. Thanks again. John