Wrench help

[Microtus]

Straight out of the gate, I am not a wrencher. I've changed heads, alternator, starters and some mickey mouse ass shit on my Jeep suspension but not much else. That said.

I have a new to me this year 2012 f150 with 150k. The front end started making noise a few weeks ago and it appears to be the lower A arm bushings and passenger side upper A arm bushing. Simple solution is take it to the dealer but I'm giving it a go instead. With no press and simple hand tools I just bought new upper and lower arms to try and keep it simple.

On to dumb question. My plan was to remove and replace the upper A arm and use it to support the brake/hub assembly while I change out the lower. The upper ball joint is free and the sway bar link is free but I need to remove the coil to pull the upper A arm bolts out. Do I need to pull the lower A arm to remove the coil? The lower assembly only drops so far, nothing seems to be binding, but there is still tension on the spring.

Work pic and shop help pic below.

 

[TrikeKid]

Unbolt the strut and pry the arm down, might have to pry the strut outward at the bottom but there should be no tension on it at that point.

 

[Microtus]

Thanks. I need to pick up a deep 1 3/16 socket tomorrow when stores open back up to pull that bolt at the bottom of the strut.

 

[AK_F250]

When I'm changing struts I unbolt both sides like trikekid said and put a ratchet strap between the arms to pull them together and down.

 

[Microtus]

So basically, using a ratchet strap like a coil spring compressor. In hindsight, I've done that to change coils on my TJ. I think once the lower end is free the strut should swing out enough to allow me to pull the upper bushing bolts, they only need another 1/2 inch or so to clear. Thanks for the input.

 

[AK_F250]

No, strap between the lower control arms to suck them down further once the struts are unbolted. I'd pull the top nits first so you're not fighting for that perfect spot to get the lower out.