How to remove spindles

[monk302]

For reference I am putting in Granada disc brakes. So i have removed the drum brake mechanicals, and the castle nuts that attach to the tie rod and then the upper and lower control arms. Now what do? Do I have to take out the shock and spring or can I leave it in place. Should I use a pickle fork to pry the balljoint out? I just want to make sure I do this in the proper order and safely.

Thanks

 

[golf4283]

You need to take the shock and spring out to release the upper control arm. I used the BFH method of taking the spindle off. Just hit the spindle really hard with a hammer till it comes loose. Worked really easy and well for me.

 

[monk302]

Damn, I was hoping I wouldn't have to take the springs out, I hated doing it the first time when I had replaced the shocks and spring. Oh well.

 

[coolblue65]

You do not have to take out the springs and shocks to swap spindles. you can place a block of wood between the bottom of upper control arm and the frame and it will keep the upper control arm from dropping all the way down allowing the spindle to drop out once released from ball joints.

To release you either need to hit the spindle really hard with a hammer were it connects with the ball joint like Golf said or get a fork and pound it in there. The problem with using the fork is you will more then likely ruin the rubber boot, but sometimes the hammer trick just doesn't work.