How do you raise strut and steering knuckle in order to install ball joint stud into knuckle 1996 Lhs?

Answer 1

There is no need to "raise" the strut. With the strut bottomed, the lower control arm can be pushed down far enough to get the ball joint stud under the steering knuckle and guide the ball joint stud into the bore. Take care not to damage the CV joint rubber boot as the ball joint stud will be very close to it. Also you can detach the lower control arm from the frame by removing the bushing bolt which will make it easier to install the the ball joint stud and less likely to damage the boot. When the need arises for ball joint replacement on these vehicles, I usually replace the entire lower control arm assembly. They aren't that expensive and the ball joint is already installed in the control arm along with a new rubber bushing on the other end. The rubber bushing is usually also worn out by the time the ball joint is worn out. I usually replace both left and right lower control arms at the same time since they both wear at the same rate. Check wheel alignment afterwards. Most of the time realignment isn't required but it needs to be checked. The real payoff is a noticeable improvement in ride quality and steering control. Good luck, Jay