Help with GC install!

[FunfGan]

Im in the process of removing the old springs and such, to install the GC coilover conversion kit. Problem is, i cant figure out what is keeping them from coming far enough down to remove them. I've unscrewed the bolts at the top of the struts, the bushing connecting the swingarm to anti roll bar and im assuming I need to unhook the steering rack connection? Any help is greatly, greatly appreciated. I need help ASAP

[sarcasmkillsme]

Now disconnect the control arm and tie rod from the strut

[FunfGan]

Alright, thanks man. I just cant even get the steering rack piece off.

[Pussy30]

If your just talking about pulling the strut from out of the fender your gonna have to compress the springs with compressors and push the strut down with your hand.

[FunfGan]

HOw would one remove the control arm/ tie rod? Ive taken the bolts off, but I cant get them out..

[bimmerteck]

or

[Brandon12V]

Zing.

try to avoid damaging your rod/ball joint boots. You may be able to just hammer the top of them without using the fork tool. Next time, remove the joint first. you'll be able to preload your suspension by placing a jack under the spindle. this makes it a lot easier to remove the outer tie rod without damaging it.

[z31maniac]

Or if you are replacing your old worn tierods/control arms/CABs (which if they are worn out I hope you are replacing them since you've dropped the cash on GC's), you just pull out a BFH.

[bzboardz]

I usually just put the nut loosely on the tie rod, support the strut, and smack it 2-3 times with a hammer. just don't hit the tie rod directly and mess up the threads

[IRON-E]

This is a much better choice, it will keep your bushings without cracking but z31maniac is right too, if you're replacing everything get a BFH and go at it!

[FunfGan]

Well Most of the bushings appear to have been replaced by the previous shop that owned it, except for the anti roll bar bushings which are... lets not go there haha. But thanks Bzboardz, ill try that as I dont have a pickle fork right now...

[j0oftheworld]

To get the tie rod off you need to put a jack under and jack up the control arm slightly to relieve the pressure on the tie rod joint. With the nut still on you can tap the top of it to free it and then it'll fall out.

[FunfGan]

Ive got the jack under the tie rod joint, using a ball joint seperater on the control arm ball joint and its not budging in the least. Any suggestions on how to loosen it up? Or would I be fine just taking the tie rod off?

[ubernasty]

try hitting the joint from all sides with a hammer to break it loose before hammering it down and out

[FunfGan]

IVe hit the thing a billion times, control arm joint still wont come loose? But I did get the tie rod joint off, which took 3 hits...