Rear suspension project

[Dave Fehrle]

I’m starting the complete rear suspension update/upgrade-new springs and shocks,replacing spherical joint and bushings on yoke and control links! 
Just wondering if there are any tips to help with the project? Do you remove links and spring first, then the shocks? 
Thanks in advance for the help!

[Russ Austin]

Shocks come out first, then the upper A arm so the car can be raised to remove the springs. 

[Dave Fehrle]

Thanks Russ! I have not been able to get the spherical joint to release from the differential, so i will just remove bolts from the arms connected to the body, that should be ok when raising the car for spring removal?

[Russ Austin]

If you are changing the spherical joint, remove the nut and get a sledge hammer. It is stuck in there. 

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Dave,

     Still no luck with the spherical joint nut?  I can imagine how frozen it must be.  As Russ said, shocks come out first.  Good luck Dave!!!

Dennis DiBari

[Dave Fehrle]

Still no luck on getting the spherical joint to release. I even tried loosening the nut and then driving it, hoping all that movement and pressure would allow it to release- but alas, no luck! So it is coming out with the transaxle!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Dave,

     That's your only option at this point!

Dennis DiBari

[CHRIS CARLSON]

 Dave , Can you use an oxy acetylene torch to heat the flange that  the joint goes into in the diff housing red hot then quench it with cold water that should get it loose. 

[Dave Fehrle]

Unfortunately, the gas tank is just an few inches away as is the overflow tube, so that won’t be a safe option. 

[Robert Alan Shannon]

 I had the same problem with that yoke mounting, even had the weight of the back half of the car and hitting it with a 3lb hammer ; wouldn't budge. 2nd hit using a pickle fork, easy peasy....