Need help with strut removal...

This taco is in bad shape as of now, needs balljoints and suspension redone...because I was 2 years younger and dumber. So I bought rancho 1-3/4 quick lift struts to replace originals that have been on for 150k miles. By what I can tell, the dude who put my lift in put the lower strut bolt in backwards so the nut was on the inside next to the cv boot and I can't really get a punch in there to knock it out. Any suggestions? And a quick reply would be very helpful

 

I would borrow one of those puller sets from AZ or Advanced that comes with a slide hammer...may be able to get some puller jaws behind the bolt head and use the slide hammer to remove it. Also may want to apply heat to the bolt to help...just my $.02 on what I would try. Good luck!

 

Sawzall

 

Well I was able to knock it loose but now it's just being pinched by the strut but thanks guys haha, I'm thinking I may just need a pry bar to get it lined up again, but I'm sure I'll run into some more problems soon

 

And I'm pretty sure that this used to be a balljoint

 

use a prybar an pry under where the strut mounts to the bracket where the bolt is. should be able to pull it out no problem

 

Just thought about something, I have a 3 inch spring and a 2.5 leveling spacer on top, and the rancho is only 1.75 inches, so the control arms are at a hell of a drop right now. Are they going to freely move up in order to put in the new strut being as its not as tall? Or am I just being stupid? And yes I know it looks like junk haha

 

unbolt the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Hint**** Put a floor jack under the lower ball joint castle nut and jack up the suspension until it's level. Then unbolt the knuckle as the bolts wont be in a bind. Same with putting it back together. Not required, but makes it a lot easier. That will take a lot of tension off the lower control arm, just swing the whole knuckle outta the way. It it's still giving fits, loosen the lower control arm cams and that will remove all the tension on the lowers and give you no trouble.

 

What did you say your using for a lift??? 3" coil AND 2.5" spacer?

 

When I finally got ls bolts out they were fubar so now I can either order them from lowrange or go down to toyota and see if they have any in stock, but as for now it's raining so I can't put the new ones in yet. But yes..spring and spacer like an idiot mostly. But I think taking it all out and replacing it all is gonna add up close to a sas...but I will say that it drives like a pos right now