Do I need a spring compressor to flip my ball joints?

Hey guys I'm wondering if I will need a spring compressor to flip my ball joints. I'm mid frame swap on my 2wd Tacoma and decided to lower her a bit.

This is where I'm at, tie rod is disconnected and the two bolts holding the strut support and stabilizer are out, it seems like once I unbolt the lower ball joint from the LCA everything will explode, or am I just being a scaredy cat? Same thing if I unbolt the UCA and upper ball joint? I've never seen any BJ flippers mention a spring compressor.


Thanks for any help, I've been lurking here for a bit and this place is super helpful.

 

No need for a spring compressor. At least I didn’t need one. But the ball joint itself was a violent removal. It pops extremely hard. But not dangerous

 

Thanks for the info!

How do you bolt everything back into place without compressing the spring, once the bj's are flipped?

 

It has been a long time since I did it but I believe I used a floor jack. Aside from the actual removal of the ball joints which can be a pita. It was pretty easy. Good luck and post before an after shots of your truck.

 

If you have to question. Then go with the safe route. I would use a compressor. If you unbolt and knock out your ball joint. That spring will push down your lower control arm and come out very violently.
At the very least, use your floor jack under the lower control arm. Make sure it is set to hold the load and securely. Not be able to be pushed out of the way, or thrown out of the way.
I've had springs fly out on me on GM cars and trucks. Nearly died a few times. Be safe.

 

I can't argue with the safety recommendations but I have plenty of experience with the floor jack method. Just get a nut on there as soon as you see some threads.

 

Thanks for the advice, I think I'll find a compressor tomorrow and go the safe route. I've been trying the floor jack method but I get to a certain point where the jack just starts lifting the entire frame instead of compressing the spring.

I'll definitely post some before and after.

 

I just remember I didn’t separate the ball joints just unbolted them. No violent removal. Just put a jack und neath and start to in bolt. I also have lowering springs so the spring I believe is unsprung when the suspension hangs low.

 

Went the safe route...