new lower ball joint, do i need an alignment?

[wshiverick]

I just replaced a lower ball joint (driver side front) and wanted to know if you guys think I should get an alignment. I didn't take off the tie rod ends or anything but I did beat on the lower control arm quite a bit to get that sucker to drop. Seems like without disconnecting the tie rods nothing in the alignment should have changed? My truck would always pull left before I replaced it and now it seems to drive pretty straight. I'd rather not spend the 70-80 bucks if I don't have to but I'd rather not have more problems down the line. Thoughts?

 

[SV_Dude]

You should be good as long as you didn't adjust anything. If you want to be sure, most shops will do an alignment check for $30 or so.

 

[wshiverick]

Thanks for the advice. For future reference, is there a good way to get that control arm to drop aside from taking off the shock and sway bar?

 

[SV_Dude]

You shouldn't have to take off the shock but you will fight the sway bar unless you take it off of the side that you're working on. Other than that there really isn't much holding it on.

 

[wshiverick]

Tried to get the sway bar off but the bolts were so rusted I gave up. Ended up just taking the nut off the top of the shock and that gave it (barely) enough play.