Front Disk Conversion

[shovel80]

I am looking for some directions on how to take apart a ball joint front end so I can convert to disk brake
Thanks Dave

[Rob DVKK]

Depends on the kit. Some are just a direct replacement with caliper mounts others require replacing the spindles.
Some kits widen the track and others don't.

I think I used the csp kit. They work really well.

[shovel80]

I just need to replace the spindals so I want to know how to break apart the upper and lower ball joints so I can replace the spindals and bolt everything on
 

[dannyboy]

undo the ball joint bolts and use a balljoint spreader to pop off the ball joints...
if you dont have a ball joint tool, you can usually just give  the side of the spindle right where the ball joint bolt goes through a few good smacks with a hammer, and the ball joint will pop out... same idea works for the tie rods aswell.

[Bruce]

Dave, the tapers used on the BJs and tie rod ends can be a real bitch at times to get apart, especially if they have never been separated.

First work the tie rod end.  Unscrew the castle nut, turn it around, and screw it back on backwards until it is flush with the end of the stud.  Next get a prybar.  The longer the better.  Have a helper pry the tie rod against the arm of the spindle while you tap the end of the stud.  The nut will help prevent you from mushrooming the end.  Don't hit it too hard.  If that doesn't work, then get your two biggest hammers.  Place one on one side of the socket end of the steering arm and beat on the other side.  The tie rod should pop up.  The nut will prevent your helper from flying on his ass when it releases.

The top ball joint is easy.  Loosen the nut with a 19mm wrench.  Then get your big waterpump pliers and grab onto the hex on the top side of the spindle and turn it.  That is enough to break it loose.  But don't fullly remove that BJ yet.  You are gonna need it in place to get the bottom one apart.

The bottom one is the biggest bitch.  Loosen the nut and unscrew it a couple of turns.  Select a

[Lanny]

Use a $9 tie rod/BJ picklefork.

[shovel80]

Thanks for the info am going to try this week end
Got the hammers,beer,pickle fork,beer, sockets,beer, a great source of choice words,new tie rod ends and I think I will have some beer around also
Thanks for all the info Keep it coming.
I think I will have a beer and think about it
Dave

[Trevor P]

I would only use the pickle fork if your balljoints or tierods are in need of replacement. Pickle forks have a tendency to rip the boots sometimes.

[Bruce]

I would only use the pickle fork if your balljoints or tierods are in need of replacement. Pickle forks have a tendency to rip the boots sometimes.

Sometimes Trevor?  Always.

[Trevor P]

Sometimes Trevor?  Always.

Ok, I was being nice or.... optimistic.    

[silas]

Got the hammers,beer,pickle fork,beer, sockets,beer, a great source of choice words,new tie rod ends and I think I will have some beer around also
 

lmao!!!

[shovel80]

OK so I had a couple beer and managed to get one side of the car done this afternoon  got the spindle on and looks good . Went to put the inner bearing that came with the kit into the disk and does not seem to fit ( the bearing has a outer race that is seperate the race is 50.3 od and the disk is 49.25 id (I know throw it in the freezer and slam it in )0any body else had this problem or is it just me I have now switched to Rum as it is a thinking game now. time for another round and another side
dave

[shovel80]

ha rum is great
one part in freezer the other hot with torch
ha ha ha
 

[shovel80]

All done and seems to be working
any one looking for some front spindals, backing plates, drums and all the stuff that goes with it ?
time for a beer or rum
another decision !
Thanks to all
Dave