My 1994 GM LS

[Grand1]

Indeed, baptism by fire for a parts changer like me. Control arms in, lesson learned.

[Grand1]

Well progress, put the lower control arms in(reversed the bolt direction, as the OE way has the drag link right on front, couldnt wiggle it in), but didnt torqe it to spec, as it's needed at ride height. Being careful with the springs now. Upper Ball joint in. I assume I torque the lowers to once spindle, springs , shock are in, on the ground.

[Grand1]

Anyone recommend a certain type of internal spring compressor, looks loke the oe is....all well tits or wheels

[jaywish]

It has been some time for me but I don't remember needing a compressor. Perhaps someone else will confirm? You do need to pay close attention to the positioning of the coil and (gasket?) in the pocket of the lower control arm. If it goes in wrong it will creak forever.

Yes torque on ground or with jack under lower arm with pressure just off the tire but still in contact with ground. Again IIRC. It has been quite a long time as I did big brakes many years ago.

[sly]

I always rent the spring compressor from Autozone. They have the internal one with the long plate that you wedge in the bottom most coil you can and then the hooks go up into the top most one you can (in the car... not out of the car - I think it's the second coil up from the bottom and 1.5 to 2 coils from the top to be able to then remove it once you get it in place). Also, I've use a crowbar to get the springs back on the control arms and then a jack to push them back up to bolt stuff together without using a spring compressor. So you have options.

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-coil-spring-compressor/p/oemtools-coil-spring-compressor/555573_0_0

[Grand1]

I got it close but it won't sear straight via no compressor, guess I don't have the magic touch. Did get the Autozone thing, gonna pick it up....again much obliged on the advice.

I did take pics of the springs, looks like the tail should be here

[jaywish]

It is close. Can't tell if it is exactly in the pocket but that is the idea.

[jaywish]

Also you can lower the vehicle mark the upper control arm position with a chalk line then jack vehicle up, remove wheel and see if you can line up the chalk mark with a floor jack before tightening.

[Grand1]

Got them in, I must suck because it took awhile. Got the tail of the spring between the two holes in the LCA. Kinda pissed Rockk Auto sent me two ball joints, one greaseable, the other not....same part number. No one to talk to all online, want me to pay for shipping? I guess I will steal the part numbers from thier sight and enter them into Amazon, I am noticing quite a few parts are cheaper when you factor shipping.

[sly]

Nah... the job sucks, not you. It's not an easy task.

[jaywish]

Ditto

[87gtVIC]

If a mod/admin would like to edit that post with a picture of the corrected info:

Done. Thanks for making it easy.

[massacre]

Looks good, nice job!

[Grand1]

So showing my complete virginity on an aero. The mount if differnt, as per below. I bought the KYB without police option, but that mount is the same mount as the OE crusty strut I took off. ... the difference in length is a quarter of an inch between the two KYBs. Put standard rate Moog springs in the front.

[Grand1]

Soooo fun and games. Found a greaseable ball joint for the Rock Auto mess up. When installing it, I see left hand side. Of course, I was working on the passenger side. Compared ball joints, yes the camber and caster groves are indeed differnt than the universal Mevo tech one. So swapped upper ball joints from one side to another....yeah!