This may sound stupid but I keep second guessing myself on the job. What is the likelihood of me being able to do this install by myself with only hand tools? I don't have access to any air or impact tools

 

The nut/bolt holding the strut on the lower arm will probably be your biggest hurdle. Breaker bar with a cheater pipe should get it done. I did mine with all hand tools except for the above mentioned.

 

Yeah I figured that bolt would be a PITA. Multiply that by the road concoction they spray in the winters up north

 

I managed to get my strut off my lower control arm with nothing but hand tools in the middle of a parking lot no less. Just take the big nut off, get a rubber mallet, beat the **** out of the bolt, then use a long 1/2 inch extension and pound it all the way out. Took me maybe 6-7 minutes per side.

 

OK awesome. I'll keep that in mind. Suspension stuff always strays me away but I have to learn somehow haha. Do I really need a puller or can I really just smack the spindle a few times to release the ball joint?

 

Might I suggest leaving the rubber mallet on the work bench lol. Much easier to use a block of wood and a real hammer

 

Just smack it a few times. No pullers needed on our ball joints or spindles. Presses yes, but pullers or pickle-forks, no.

 

Thanks summers! And all yall have given me a boost in confidence and I think I will try to tackle this on saturday

 

Welcome. That lower strut bolt was only a pain because finding a socket big enough was a chore. Had to drive to my friends 30 minutes away to borrow a set he had. Other than that, not to hard.

 

Yeah luckily I have all the appropriate sized sockets and wrenches. It'd be kinda hard to drive without front wheels attached....