My '78 still has the original joints in...and they're fine. Heard too many stories about dodgy replacements to consider changing them.
Yep, that's exactly what I'm doing aha. Thanks for clarifying @Zed ! I'm needing to take the front beam off as part of the restoration I'm working on and want to repaint whatever components I'll be keeping (as the main beam itself has lots of dodgy repairs and is pretty crusty). So am I right in thinking I would only need to be tackling job 1 of separating the steering knuckle from the ball joints in order to recondition the torsion arms and other front beam parts? (assuming that my ball joints are in good shape/within spec)
If you are taking the beam off, or you need to replace the ball joint boots, you need to split the joints and remove the steering knuckles but I would leave the arms in the beam unless replacing the whole ball joint. Knuckles/discs/calipers weigh a bit, all hanging off the back. You'll get the beam off ok, but with that lot attached you'll have a devil of a job keeping it upright to refit it. Much easier to remove them while you van is holding the axle for you too.
I'll be needing to replace at least one ball joint boot. I realise I'll also have to get the torsion arms off the main beam, as the beam itself needs replacing. But from the Bentley manual, that doesn't seem to require specialist tools. Yes, had read similar advice on other threads on here so was planning on removing the calipers, steering knuckle and disks before trying to get the beam off! Appreciate the advice
If you're getting boots, get the double-concertina ones. The single ones have a habit of popping off if the ball joint moves too far.
I'd take the arms off too then - much easier when the van is holding the beam for you. The top ones need some force.
Thanks for the tip! Good to know Okey doke, that makes sense. Would be in a right mess without this forum!
