Removing control arm without removing strut
 

Is it possible? I recently did a brake rebuild and bushing replace on the front. I told myself I would replace the control arm bushing and paint the CA when I replaced the strut in the future. Now I am regretting getting everything greased up and back together and not doing the control arm while it was apart.

I read the writeup on atlanticz, but it looks like he popped his strut out along with everything else. Could I do it without having to disconnect the tie rod ends and wheel spindle/hub/brakes?

Also, the blue krylon rust proof spray just doesn't hold up on the sway bar and radius arm. Any suggestions on tougher paint for the future?

It takes about 30 more seconds (well... maybe 2-3 minutes) to remove the strut once you have the control arm unbolted (for the fronts anyway).

As for the paint... powdercoat. :D Or if you can't afford that, at least clean and prep the surface. No paint will stick to an unclean surface.

Well shoot I should have done it. However it won't be more than a year until I get new struts so I suppose I'll just wait. Thanks for the reply!

I have a powder coating shop close by, I have yet to get a quote. The valve cover will be first and if it's cheap enough, then I'll start doing everything else I guess. I did strip the bars with a wire brush on an angle grinder and primed it, it just scratches real easy.

That works for welding, not the best for paint.

For future reference when painting metal:
#1: Wash with degreaser
#2: Blow dry with compressed air
#3: Use fine sand paper (200+ grit) or scotch brite pad to further clean and scuff surface.
#4: Wash and dry again.
#5: Paint in warm temps with no wind.

You can also buy clear coat in a can too if you want it to be a hard / durable finish. But all that is a lot of work when you can powder coat.