1952-59 Ford Coil Spring Replacement

Fellers,
When replacing the stock Front Springs w/ Aerostar units, is it necessary to remove the balljoints to make it happen or will a Spring Compressor compress the springs enough for removal with the Ball Joints still in place?
I presume the Tie Rods will need to be removed.
Thnx

 

You have to remove one ball joint (usually the bottom one).

Loosen the nut on the lower ball joint 1/4" or so and hit the side of the balljoint/control arm area and the spring pressure will pop the lower ball joint loose. then just put a jack under the lower control arm and jack it up to take the load off the lower ball joint, remove the lower ball jt nut all the way and slowly lower the jack till you can take the spring out.

 

jay described the method to a T if you have torch it makes it a snap if you cut one of the coils.main thing is only loosen nut do not remove without jack under.

 

Did you use the CC850 springs?

 

Jay is right, but before you do anything wrap a piece of chain around a coil of the spring and the frame as a safety precaution.

 

Thanks!!
Since I'm using the spring pressure to unseat the Ball Joint, and I'm not boogering it up with a pickle-fork, shouldn't I be able to reuse the old balljoint again?

Yes, Rev, the plan is to replace the stock springs w/ the Aerostar units.

 

Yes,the balljoint will be fine.

 

the balljoint will probably survive but the boot may not they usually do not as jeff has suggest many times maybe order from ES

 

I have a ball joint separation tool that I made from a 1/2 bolt with the head cut off and a nut on each end that allows separation with no damage to joint or boot. I will post as picture later. You can purchase ready made ones also.

 

You might get lucky, you might not. Here's a thread if you don't --

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/splitting-ball-joints-on-a-55.1128116/

 

You do not "remove" the ball joint just take it out of the wedge in the spindle. On all the ones I've done we loosened the upper nut a few threads and used a splitting device which lengthens when holding one part with a wrench and turning the threaded part. (put anti-seize on the threads before starting) Bought it from the Circle Track section of Speedy Bill years ago. Then put a floor jack under the lower a-arm to complete the job. We always needed the jack stands on the frame behind the wheel to get it high enough to make it easier. Done it this way more time than I want to count..good luck

 

Stock 56 spring and CC850 Aerostar with pad. Lowered front 2"s