Disassemble SPC control arm ball joint to remove coilover?

[joshoowa]

Hi everyone, I'm about to uninstall my Icon coilovers to rebuild them, I'm trying to determine whats the fastest / easiest way to remove them.

Could I just remove the (3) bolts on top of the coilover, (1) bolt at the bottom of the shock, and the bolt holding the ball joint to the UCA to allow me to pull the coilover out?

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All the videos I've seen on YT have them loosening the LCA via camber bolt to allow more sag, or even removing the UCA (when upgrading). I haven't seen a video of a removal where they already have upgraded UCAs. I think it'll be easier to just disassemble the UCA ball joint? Thoughts? Inputs?

 

[srsrogerissrs]

Quickest and easiest way... unbolt the sway bar, unbolt the lower ball joint, loosen the LCA bolts, unbolt the lower shock mount, swing the LCA down and out the way, and the strut can be pulled down and out after unbolting the top strut mount bolts.

Mark where your cams are before you take everything off and it'll close to or within the same alignment spec.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-7ysiGblyc




I will say though, this method only works if your cams aren't seized.

 

[joshoowa]

Just thought I update everyone and say I removed my coilovers in the manner that I mentioned in my first post. Unbolted the balljoint off the UCA and wiggled the coilover out without having to touch the LCA. Unbolt the swaybar from the control arm and removed 2 bolts holding the ABS & brake line from the control arm to get some slack. It was super easy and fast, I probably could have knocked it out in 15mins per side but I took my time. Doing it this way I did not touch the cam bolts so my alignment should be fine, the SPC UCA are adjustable but mine were in the original position so in theory my alignment should not change. I'll get an alignment if I notice any issues.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet