need help lowering my 79 k-5

[BIG_J]

i already have done a flip kit on the back and 3 inch shorter springs on the front, now i need to install my 2.5 inch lower spindles. what tools will i need, someone told me i need a ball joint press, do i really need it or is there a way to do it without, also will i have to get new ball joints and wheel bearings, thanks, John.

[flamingbig10]

if your wheel bearings and ball joints are in good shape than reuse them

[BIG_J]

okay, and how do i put the new spindle on, what do i use on the ball joints, just put them in and tighten down?

[fiddy9apache]

do not use a bj fork, it will do more damage than good. loosen th ball joint nut almost to the top but dont take it all the way off then use a large sledge hammer, 5lbs is a good size. and hit the spindle right next to the ball joint and it will pop out. do that on the top and bottom. pull the spindle off and put the new one on. just tighten down the ball joint nuts and put the carter pins back in so the nut doest work its way back off. you can also you the hammer to pop your tie rod ends out of the spindle, if you cant get it out you can thread the nut back on to the tie rod end and tap it with the hammer, but thats only if its being a pain.

[BIG_J]

okay i got the top of the spindle out but the bottom one is being anoying, even the pickle fork cant get it off, any advice for how to get it off?

[BIG_J]

ok got them off, after 4 hours of pounding on them, hopefully i will get it all together tomorrow