[69_&_72_CHEVY]

hey yall im trying to rebuild my front end in my 72 chevelle i got my parts today, and i need to no what tools i need to do this with. I already no i need a torcwench (dont no how 2 spell), a ball joint seperator, and spring compression tool, is there anything else or is that

 

[onick]

you should really get someone that knows what they are doing to help you out. those springs have A LOT OF POTENTIAL ENERGY and can KILL or DE-LIMB if not careful. You can do the work, just have someone there to watch. Do a search in this forum, and you will find a lot of info/methods. Safety first!!

 

[quikss]

If you are going to replace your lower control arm bushings, you will either need a ball joint press or probably better for a beginner would be to just bring them into a suspension shop and have them rebuild them for you. Just bring your parts and pay them to do it. This part requires some specialty tools, and some advanced skills I think. It's a pretty critical thing and you could do some serious damage if done wrong.

Like onick said if you have never rremoved springs before do some searching on here before you do it. Read everything you can about it and don't dismiss how dangerous a job it is. The springs really can kill you, or if your lucky just remove your hand for you if it goes bad. I too suggest finding somebody who has done this to help you out a bit, front end work is critical to be done correctly.

Jeff

 

[dauber65]

I just got done doing similar work to my 71. Rent a good spring compressor from an auto parts store along with a pickle fork set and get a 4 or 5 lbs sledge hammer. You will need the force to seperate the spindal ball joints. Get some GOOD jack stands to put your car on. Liquid wrench is a plus as alot of this stuff is VERY rusy. Be careful and take your time.

 

[SethT]

All the advice given so far is pretty good, except no one has emphasized the need for supervision. If you don't have anyone to help and you are really going to do this yourself, please make sure the car is securely resting on the stands. You don't want those stands to pop out while you whale away with 2+ pound hammer, nor do you want the car to roll. Always be VERY aware of where your limbs and body are in reference to the swinging hammer, and the parts that are going to move when the hammer comes down.