[grndscrpr03]

Spindle Install How-To​

REMOVAL​

1) Loosen lug nuts
2)Jack truck up and put on jackstands
3)Remove wheels/tires
4)Remove brake caliper by removing two pin bolts from backside of caliper, use a 3/8" allen wrench. Secure caliper by string or wire, or set on a piece of wood, do not let caliper hang by the brakeline.
5)Remove dust cap, remove cotter pin from hub nut, then remove the hub nut. Slide the rotor off of the spindle
6)Remove the 3 bolts holding the dust shield to the spindle and slide off. Vehicles with ABS-be careful with the ABS line and do not break it. Also secure the dust shield with string or wire.
7)Remove the cotter pin from castle nut on the tie rod end, remove castle nut, and then separate balljoint.(easiest to use a pickle fork style separator) Let the tie rod swing down to the floor.
8)Place either a floor jack or piece of wood under the lower control arm with about ½" between the 2.
9)Remove cotter pin from upper and lower balljoints and then remove the castle nut from upper balljoint. Loosen castle nut on lower balljoint but do not remove all the way.
10)Using the pickle fork separate the lower balljoint. The control arm should drop slightly but the nut will hold it. Then separate the upper balljoint. Raise the jack until there is slight pressure and then remove the lower balljoint castle nut.
11)Lower the jack slowly, the upper balljoint should slide out of the spindle, lift the spindle up out of the lower balljoint.

 

[grndscrpr03]

Re: spindle install help

INSTALLATION​

12)Place the new spindle on the lower balljoint and replace the castle nut. Raise the jack and guide the upper balljoint into the spindle and replace the castle nut. Tighten both nuts and reinsert both cotter pins.
13)Place the tie rod end back in the spindle, replace castle nut, and insert cotter pin.
14)Bolt the dust shield back in place on the new spindle
15)Slide the rotor back onto the spindle, tighten the hub nut, and insert cotter pin. Make sure the bearings and washer go back into place correctly. Then put the dust cap back on.
16)Slide the caliper back onto the rotor and reinstall the 2 bolts.
17)Bolt the wheel/tire back on and turn the steering wheel both directions to make sure nothing is hitting. Then do the other side the same.

TIPS​

*If replacing the coils as well then the shocks will need to be removed in the first few steps.
*Get an alignment ASAP. If you suffer from severe toe out(your wheels are pointing in 2 different directions) you can loosen the 2 nuts on the tie rod adjusting sleeves and turn them until the wheels look straight.
*When done with everything take a grease gun and refill all your balljoints with fresh grease.
*It might be necessary to notch the bottom of your dust shield to prevent squeaking.
*Remember to measure your fenderwells before and after installation. Then you will know that your truck dropped the correct 2".
*When using a pickle fork(balljoint separator)be careful not to rip the rubber boot. You can also leave the castle nut on the end of the threads and hit it with a hammer, but you risk messing up the threads. Plus it is much easier to use the pickle fork as long as you are careful.
*If you are removing the castle nuts and notice that the whole balljoint is spinning, clamp a small pair of vise grips just above the rubber boot, and then continue loosening or tightening the nut.
*Now is also a great time to change your brake pads so if you think it’s time pick them up ahead of time.

 

[SlammedDime]

spindle install help

I also have to add to this....

Step 5) When removing the rotor, be very careful with the front bearings. Take them out before you take the rotor off, place them on a paper towel, and put them somewhere where they won't get dirty. This will save you time from re-greasing them when you install them, or possibly ruining them by getting them dirty. If you have a chilton or haynes manual, there is a very good picture of the complete front assembly broken out.

 

[Chevroletmakesmyd]

Tip: when reinstalling spindle, tight the castle nut down fairly tight (just to "seat" everything), then back it off, and snug it back very light just enough to remove any in and out play, insert your cotter pin and dust cap.