I had bought a ball joint tool just for this project and it just didn't get the job done. Also had a 12 ton press and that nearly didn't get it done. Guess after 185k mi they just don't want to come out.
So I was so busy yesterday I didn't even snap a single pic. I got the last ball joint out and put the new one in upside down, assembled the control arms/knuckles and CV's and installed on the truck and was going to stab the shock in when I noticed something wasn't right. So I got to tear all the crap back off flip the ball joint and upper A-arm over and do it again. I also managed to cross thread one of the new stainless brake lines and squirt brake fluid in my eye. DOT 3 fluid burns badly when you get it in your eye FYI...
My dad was nice enough to take the afternoon off work and come help me again yesterday. I think he might have been regretting it by the time he left last night. I was not a happy camper with the progress of the project or having to re-do work because I wasn't paying attention.
On to the update... Installed yesterday: Brake lines, Front Diff, control arms/CV's, front shocks, new tie rod ends, steering center link, torsion bars and drop bracket.
To Do list:
re-check nuts and bolts. tighten tie rod adjusters, bleed brakes, install new accesory belt, block off unused O2 bungs, install y-pipe, exhaust welded, install front drive shaft, front wheels and tires, adjust torsion bars for ride height and clearance, install bed, allighnment.