How to Reload a Truck Suspension

Part of the process of replacing the upper and lower ball joints in a truck will include reloading the suspension before you start disassembling the front end to replacement job at hand. Being able to do these simple do-it-yourself tasks will help save you considerable time and money on car repairs over the life of your truck.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Jack the truck up and secure it on a set of jack stands. Test-shake the truck to make sure it is not going to fall, then remove the floor jack from beneath it. Remove the wheel and set it and the lug nuts aside for re-installation later. Have a clean work surface to place lug nuts, bolts and other small parts on during the disassembly process.

2. Notice the three coil springs behind the hub or spindle. These have an immense amount of energy in them and if you start removing items from the front end before reloading them you can cause injury to yourself, others, the vehicle and your equipment, or your tools.

3. Slide the floor jack under the ball joint and jack it up to meet it. Slowly raise the floor jack, watching the ball joint. You want to keep going until it is parallel with the ground. This will happen as you jack it up and the control arm pivots. Once it is parallel with the ground, secure the floor jack.

4. Start your disassembly of the front end, but always practice proper car repair safety. Watch every part closely as it comes away from the vehicle and avoid hitting the floor jack lest it fails and sends the truck towards the ground.