i'm replaceing the front strut mount this weekend and would like to also replace the front lower balljoints. can anyone advise how i can go about replace the lower balljoints, i don't need to remove the subframe do i? Also i seen my old mechanic go barry bonds on the worn out ball joint when i previously replaced it..is there another way to remove it without slugging out the old one? any tips would be great!

 

I had to chisel my outers out of the hub carriers because they were seized together. You won't be able to get a socket onto the bolts holding the inners to the subframe, but you might be able to loosen them with a wrench (edit: I forgot. You'll still never be able to get the long bolt fully out I don't think. See next sentence). Lowering the subframe or popping out the axle will allow socket access to the inner bolts. And then you need to hammer both loose from the control arm. I bought a pickle fork beforehand which I ended up not using at all. Not sure what it's for to tell the truth.

You can lower the subframe with a jack a few inches to gain access, keeping the steering hooked up and the front crush bars hanging onto the bumper rail whatever, so it's easy to just jack the subframe back up and into place.