Control arm replacement question?

[BruceE36328is]

Can the lower control arms be replaced w/o special tools and or w/o removing the struts?

Do you need a pickle fork to get the ball joint removed?

I'd genuinely apprecaitean experieced reply with some insight.

thanks in advance...
Bruce

[restricted]

you can remove the LCA with out removing the strut and you really dont need any special tools you need a 22mm for the inner ball joint a i belive 19mm for outer b-joint and 17mm for bushing you may need a pickle fork or you can take a 5lb hammer and beat on the part of the king pin where ball joint seats

[BruceE36328is]

Thank you, appreciated! Have a great weekend... ~Bruce

[Kuch569]

The inner ball joint nut is a real bitch. I intended to put new control arms on when I did my struts, springs, and tie rods but I couldn't get the nut off so the control arms stayed on the car. Other people have done them but I didn't have the time and patience. It's really not complicated but just difficult to get a wrench on that nut with enough force to break it loose. A local shop will put the control arms on for $150 labor so that's where I'm headed. Good luck with whatever you decide.