This is my first time with the lower ball joints, but things have gone smoothly so far.

I realized that the front springs are pretty heavy duty and could do some serious damage if improperly released, but I've got to say that 30% through a ball-joint job and this has been a snap for the most part. I read the VCLassics article several times and followed the instructions regarding the springs. I now have the driver's side fully disassembled and the passenger side partially apart.

I've stopped at %30 because I want to clean up some of the rust on my lower A arms, caliper plates, and springs and paint it all while it's apart. I'm also replacing the driver's drag link since I did the passenger side late last year. I'm wanting equal wear if possible. I do not foresee any problems so far.

However, I am going to finally replace my tie rods with new ends. I've been using my old 1800E's front tie rod until I felt more competent. I think those are wearing and it's time to fix the car's original front bar.

I know it will take a proper alignment to get them perfect, but I need to get them back together for a multiple day test drive. I hear I can count the threads on the tie rod ends and screw my new ones back in to the same point to get "close" Is that true? will it work? How to I get the rod end to come loose, is that big hex nut some sort of lock-nut?

Also, is there anything else I should betaking care of while I've got the front suspension apart?

Finally, I've got a new mileage assessment running with a crane unit. 17 mpg. higher than 13, but still poor. This was after a week of commuting and keeping the speeds low and the rpms under 3500 on the highway...

Damn.