Replacing Control Arm (strut)

[git0]

Gentlemen,

I am replacing some of the remaining rear suspension. On the

control arm strut (tie rod) there appears to be a type of a ball

joint going into the wheel carrier and the strut won't come out.

How do you extract it and then install the new one?? Can it be

done without a special tool? If not what tool do I need.


Also I understand that the rear suspension components, the

bolts need to be tightened when the suspension is under load

i.e. the axle is horizontal. I have the rear end of the car on

jacks. I had made a reference mark as to where the center point

of the axle would be if the wheels were on the ground. My plan

was to use a floor or bottle jack under the differential or control

arms to bring the axle to the same horizontal mark. I would

appreciate any comments from those who have replaced the

suspension on this plan.

Thanks.

JIm


92 300E