[Wagon]

Lower on the passenger side took me awhile a couple weeks ago, but I got it. Trying to get the drivers side in now and its just not working. I can BARELY get the threads up to where they are flush with the spindle. A couple times I accidentally jacked the car up past where I think I should have. I am getting frustrated due to the amount of time this one step is taking, not to mention the end of my lower arm is all scratched and scuffed now because of the laser thin clearance btwn the drum and the arm (up and down, up and down trying to get it lined up).

Is there a trick to this? I had the upper ball joint nut backed off thinking that would have the spindle sit lower and help me thread the lower sooner, but that wasn't working. I then tightened up the upper nut, still no change. I finally had to give up last night because I don't think the neighbors enjoy my swearing and also the hammering with the rubber mallet over and over and over and over and over again.

Thanks guys.

 

[fried_daddy]

It shouldn't be that bad to get back on. You sure the spring is seated correctly up top? When I do ball joints I make sure the jack is as far out towards the end of the control arm as I can get it so there will be plenty of leverage. Sometimes the spindle will get caught on the shoulder. A light shake on the spindle should let it fall right on in.

 

[timlilje]

I bet you got no motor/trans in there do ya! Spring compressor might be needed.

 

[Wagon]

wow. finally got it. Just jacked it up a few pumps past where I was comfortable and hoped it wouldn't tip the car off the other jack stand.

This was a long road. Control arms cleaned up and painted, new bushings upper and lower. New upper and lower ball joints. New springs, sway bar bushings and sway bar linkage. Passenger side took a year. Drivers side took 2 weeks

I have the tie rods, sleeves and idler arm bushings in stock in my garage. Going to break out the picture book, because I think there is a pitman arm bushing that I am not seeing at any of my usual parts places? Also, power steering has been a MESS, and I think its the valve (have not run the car in almost 2 years though so I forget). I am hoping I can get that all done easier and in a lot less time than the last job took.

Do I buy a reman power steering valve, or the rebuild kit. At the moment I am leaning towards the reman...I'm tired!

Gonna sleep good tonight!