replacing ball joint question

[Destro]

My question is ... Does the steering arm have to come off to replace them?? All the directions say to remove it but it looks like you could leave it on. I hate removing those stubborn things. Has anyone got any tricks for when I tackle this project?? Going the rent a tool route at Autozone for the press.If it is necessary to remove it where would I buy the new locking-nuts for it??
Man I hope someone has left it on[fingers crossed]

[Blazin]

It been a few years since I did ball joints on a Chevy truck. However I do not recall having to remove the stearing arm to get the spindle off. As far asgetting new nuts any hardware store that carries a good selection should have them. Don't quote me but I think they are 1/2" 20 or 24.

[Destro]

the write up on chuckschevy site said to remove the steering arm.I didn't think you had to but I was just wanting to see if anyone has replaced all 4 joints without taking that off. I am not a fan of removing that sucker.
I thought the nuts were special cuz of the cones underneath.

[Blazin]

Cones are seperate I beleive.

[Lt.Del]

too bad it isn't a two wheel drive.  ball joint replacement

four wheel drive is a little more complicated.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[roundedline]

I would say this is a very accurate description:
chuckschevytruckpages.com...ement.html

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[chevy754x4]

I've done these joints a few times and the only time I've popped the steering arm off is if it also needed to be replaced.  It is a bit more awkward leaving the steering arm on, but it is possible to swap ball joints with it in place.

[Captkaos]

Did you notice that this post is almost a year old?

[chevy754x4]

Yeah.....right after I posted.....oh well  guess that's what I get for reading these things half asleep