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Hey I need to replace lower ball joints and upper & lower control arm bushes on my BF2 (it's an XT with a few XR bits and Pedders springs - from memory they're 40mm lowered). It had one front strut replace under warranty at 60k kms just after I bought it in 2009, fitted the pedders springs same time, and it's now done 326k. I do mainly highway driving and planning to keep the car for a while yet but don't want to overspend on it. A workshop quoted more than the car is worth to get it done, but doing it myself seems achievable. My questions are: - The struts still feel ok, but since they have to come out anyway, and given the kms they've done, will probably replace them. But looking at budget brands, KYB, Gabriel etc, are they equivalent to oem spec or would it be a downgrade (apart from the fact that they're new)? - None of the budget strut brands seem to have a shortened shock option to suit the changed strut design for 07/2007 onwards. The factory struts have been ok for the past 260k kms so is there any concern buying standard height aftermarket struts for 40mm lowered springs? I was looking at KYBs $250/pr on eBay. - Any reason to replace the springs since they seem fine? - was reading PhilMeUp's photo essays and planning to do most of it myself, but wondered if it's worth trying to grab some lower control arms from a wrecker and fit the new ball joints and bushes before pulling my car apart, so it doesn't have to be off the road for as long. is that likely to save much time or cost too much extra? - Mate down the road has a 20t press I can use. is it still worth buying one of those Radum presses Phil recommended (for the adapters maybe)? - Replacing most of the front end bushes, was going to use SuperPro (except for lower shock mount have seen recommendation to stick with rubber on that one), but noticed Nolathane has a new "fitter friendly design" range of 2-piece bushes. Worth using those instead of SuperPro? - also needs a rear rose joint upper arm done, was advised to leave that one to a professional rather than attempt diy on it. good advice? thanks

Hi all, Other day at the servo in my territory ghia turbo the ball joint on the LCA just crapped itself and popped out. Tow truck driver said its common problem on these cars. I had trouble getting parts over xmas but I made it happen so I got all the parts and im working on it today and the ball joint that goes into the rear section of the hub is stuck. Does anyone know if this is threaded or just a shaft. The damn thing just wont come out. Pictures below of the new arm, old arm and ball joint stuck in the hub.

Which front lower control arm bushes should I fit to my 2006 BF II XR6T? Rubber (aftermarket, genuine), Nolathane, or something else? I am replacing them following advice from another thread on trying to cure my long standing brake shudder.