Finally got around to installing my rebuilt ES polybushing control arms and Moog swaybar links today. It took 4.5 hours to remove old control arms and install new for both sides. The first side taking the majority of this time, I debated on whether to remove the axle to get a impact driver on the ball joint nut. I didn't, and proceeded to strip the ball joint nut with a wrench.
I went to plan B, removed the axle and split the nut with my dremel. slapped it all together in 45 minutes. Removing the axle will give you all the room you need to dremel, hacksaw or use a nut spliter.
On the other side I took the the axle from the spindle got the inpact driver and removed the ball joint nut effortlessly. Had this side done in just over an hour. I used a scissor jack to hold up the control arm while bolting it up. Here's where you need to take you time. It's easy to cross thread these bolts because of the number of holes/ bolts you need to line up. After the first few bolts arm installed loosely the rest is a snap.

My advice to anyone who needs to remove the ball joint on an older Max, is to pull the axle. It takes no time at all, and the stress level is zero.
I chose MOOG sway bar links because they are 2x the size of OEM and some off brand I looked at. I figured thicker is better for any sway bar application.

While test driving it I was stunned how different the car felt. Car turned sharper, felt more stable and vertually eliminated all bump steer. I am very much looking forward to my next autocross. This should be a manditory upgrade for all Maxima owners.

Sorry for the lack of pictures, I was working alone and didn't think of it till I was done.

 

Bump steer...how bad wass your before installing the new arms? You think the ball joints or the actual control arm bushings helped eliminate/reduce bump steer?

 

rvamaxima, Were you able to do all this with the car on jack stands or did you use a lift. Also, did you need a press to remove the old bushings and install the new ones as described here. I am planning to do this soon,so any input would be helpful.

 

Bushings were real sloppy loose, balljoint wasn't that bad but loose also. Riding over bumpy patched road surface usually produced excessive steering wheel movemnt. That has been reduced dramatically. Whether it's because of the bushings or Balljoint, I can't say.

 

I did this on jackstands in my driveway, the disassembly and assembly is pretty straight forward. I tryed to press out the bushings at home with a small bottle jack type press and ended up at a local machine shop to do it. You can install the bushings onto the control arm yourself, that part is easy.

 

did you replace the ball joint,or did you just take it out...n what you think helped the car turn sharper and what not?

 

Balljoints was good, control arm came off my parts car. Comparing how stiff the assembly is with the ES bushings next to a stock assembly, I would have to say it's that has to help.

And for those looking for parts...I DON'T have the parts car anymore.