The most he should have to do is remove the hub, and spindle. I don't even think I did that. When I did it, I just:

1. Removed the tire and brake caliper.
2. Removed the cotter pin and loosened the castle nut on the ball joint, but don't remove it.
3. lower the jack under the lower control arm so that the truck is supported by the frame. Keep the jack just under the lower arm.
4. pop the joint loose so it falls onto the castle nut.
5. jack the lower arm up and remove the castle nut.
6. unbolt the ball joint from the control arm and replace.

It's pretty much the same for upper and lower. At least thats the way I remember it. It takes a little time to do both sides, upper and lower.

HIH,
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Andre is correct. Ball joint changes are very simple. Regearinf from 4.3 to 4.56 id major. YOu have to disconnect ball joints, remove hubs, remove front axle, pull third, setup gears, etc.

Thanks Andre - You'll have to excuse my ignorance, but if he's already got the ball joints and hubs removed, how much additional would it be to pull the third w/4.30 and install one w/4.56? Anyone have a measurement for a 90-91 Trooper 12 bolt?

The ball joints and hubs are just the begining <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />. I'm getting ready to do this exact operation next weekend. But I'm swapping my 4.30 for a 4.77 3rd <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

To do the 3rd swap, you need to disconnect the front drive shaft, unbolt the diff mounting brackets, and drop the whole, heavy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> front axle assembly. I've had the pleasure of pulling the third from the axle, already droped from the vehicle, and that is no piece of cake either.

I completely understand now why people say that you only want to swap your front 3rd once.

I'm not really looking foward to next weekend <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> ,just the results <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre