Maintenance No spring compressor method

[CBrob]

So I'm in the middle of swapping out coilovers on my 1st gen.

I could get the lower control arm to drop low enough to get the stock spring out, but it wouldn't drop low enough to get the bilsteins back in there.
I loosened up the cam bolts alot, but it still won't drop.
I ordered up some spring compressors.
I also ordered up new top hats too.
I had to take the grinder to one of the shock top bolts.
I got spoiled working on the 2020, no seized bolts or rust.
Will try again after tool delivery.

I did the cv axle first, that went pretty good.
Tricky getting the new one back in, but you fiddle with it long enough and it goes in.

 

[Mr. Nobody]

I'm not super familiar with the first gen Tacoma suspension, but is it similar to the 3rd gen in the sense that disconnecting the uca from the knuckle would help the lower arm drop out?

 

[CBrob]

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On the first gen the steering link is attached to the lower control arm by a ball joint.
That's what is keeping me from lowering it enough I think.
I pounded on the connection with a hammer, but the joint is not coming loose.
The hammer method worked on the 3rd gen...
But my 17 year old yota is not so easy.
I've ordered a ball joint puller as well as so spring compressor tools.
I'll try again with some tools