Struggling with Front Suspension re-build

[epowell]

Hi Guys....

...I am currently re-building my front suspension... ALL new bushings - no ball joints/tie rod ends because they are new from the previous owner. Shocks... I am not sure yet. I will also replace the rotors and wheel bearings, but I will leave the calipers alone (except for painting the exterior) because they work well now and I have a time limit before the State Technical Control

Anyway, I am now in the middle of tearing down all the front end (first time I ever did this ...some things are going well, but of course having some problems also. I would like to ask some advice and help with my most serious problems.

1) How do I remove this big nut which connects the Lower Ball Joint (LBJ) to the Lower Controlling Arm (LCA)? I am hoping to get the LCA lowered and the SPRING removed BEFORE removing the calipers, BUT even with the calipers removed I still can not see how I can even get a socket on this LBJ NUT....??? Any ideas?
LBJ NUT


2) A smaller problem is how do I disconnect the STEERING RACK from that STEERING ROD... I know maybe this is obvious - just unbolt it??? But is there any special consideration for this so I do not mess up my steering alignment?
STEERING RACK


3) Last thing: The lower bolts holding the SHOCK ABSORBER on at the bottom are TOTALLY STUCK and WON'T MOVE. This is the early style "stamped" LCA so the nut is "inside" the LCA so difficult to clean the threads... maybe I should use a MAPP torch on it?

Also 2 X 19mm bolts on the drivers side calipers are TOTALLY STUCK..... very frustrating.

Otherwise everything is going well....

THANKS
Edward

[Fränkie]

U should use a pneumatic impact wrench,

1st lose the calipers mount.
Then u should have the space to place a nut.
Maybe u have to lose the upper ball joint as well. The steering rod anyway.

If the pneumatic impact döst not help u r in trouble, try to use a torch, but not to much u don't like to burn the Van.

Good luck.

[epowell]

U should use a pneumatic impact wrench,

Unfortunately I don't have...

try to use a torch, but not to much u don't like to burn the Van.

I think I will buy a MAPP gas torch....

[Fränkie]

Sorry bro but without u r in trouble as well, because u need a loooong lever to bring up the force to move it, and if u don't have a car lift u don't have little space for a long lever, and u have to bring great force to the car that probably only sit on the car jack. So overall u should visit a workshop for that... i might be to heavy, sorry.

[epowell]

Sorry bro but without u r in trouble as well, because u need a loooong lever to bring up the force to move it, and if u don't have a car lift u don't have little space for a long lever, and u have to bring great force to the car that probably only sit on the car jack. So overall u should visit a workshop for that... i might be to heavy, sorry.

I see what you mean... for that Lower Ball Joint nut, we need an IMPACT WRENCH because it doesn't require extra space that a breaker bar needs... I see. Problem... but I hear all the time about people who re-build front ends without impact guns.

[Fränkie]

Not shure ....Never thougt about doing it without an impact.... because i have one... if u can Get an impact on it u should be able to make it to Place a nut with a Driver. But i have no idea how to bring the Force That is nessesaey to loose it.... give it a Try... on the pathetische Hand the Moment for that nut is Not soooo String if tightened as advised in the Manual, its 110 Nm

The ball joints Shaft is a Cone Sitting in the Wishbone, u Need a puller for that.

[epowell]

Anyway, I realized that I will not have to remove that nut after all because:
1) I do not need to replace ball joints and tie rod ends
2) I will keep the Lower Control Arm, Radius Rod, Steering Knuckle, Spindle and both Ball Joints all together as one unit - and remove that all at once - all together in one piece. The reason for doing it this way is because I have the early style LCA and the RR attaches with 3 bolts and I don't want to risk breaking those and having a HUGE mess.

[Fränkie]

I das u habe the Öls Version ehrte the ball jpoints fitting is fixed in the wishbone with screws. Maybe its easier to lose These bolts.

[epowell]

I das u habe the Öls Version ehrte the ball jpoints fitting is fixed in the wishbone with screws. Maybe its easier to lose These bolts.

Yes yes exactly... just remove those 2 X 8mm allan screws and the Upper Control Arm is free :)

[Fränkie]

Ah sorry about the Auto correction Mess i Did Not See... in the lower wishbone, there should are some more screws.

[epowell]

Yes... I think now I am more orientated... I will post my progress and any more questions as they arise :)