Front lower A-arms removal issue

[blksn955.o]

Trying to get my stock front lower control arms off to put on some 03 cobra units. Everything is off the arm just trying to get the 2 bolts that hold the arm to the K off.

I have so far soaked the bolts in PB blaster, heated the tar out of them with MAP gas, broke 2 sockets with a snap-on impact and BENT a 13/16 crapsman wrench (YES BENT) using a jack trying to get a TON of leverage on the bolt. NOTHING has budged this SOB. I have been trying both ends of the nut/bolt and getting nothing.

I have loosened the ster. rack like it says in the assem. manual but nothing is working.

Any ideas I am out next to getting a sawzall...I just dont want to tear up my K.

Thanks all

 

[madams74]

Grind the head off.

 

[blksn955.o]

Went back out and beat on it another hour. Got it out after several rounds of heat, beat, and repeat. The front bolt had gotten mauled in the sleeve as far as I could tell. Got it out and wire wheeled the sucker to get it cleaned up. Back one came right out after another round of heat and PB blaster.

Installed bullitt struts to go with the bullitt springs I have...hope to pick up some new outer tie rods next week and order the ster. rack bushings. Should be able to get some new tires next month and the front better be golden after an align. since it is all new.

 

[S351Saleen77]

On one of my cars I did one side with no problems, I hope the other side goes o.k.! I did have to borrow a torque wrench because mine only goes to 150ft lbs.

 

[blksn955.o]

It ended up only being one bolt that was a PITA. That one bolt made me want to set fire to something .

One good thing...I dont really have a tool issue since the father-in-law owns a snap-on franchise. Get to use some awesome stuff, one year I got a cordless 18v 1/2 impact that has like 430lb on/off rating for my birthday. Wife keeps going back and forth if she wants to try and work the business (owned this franchise for 30+yrs) and eventually take it over...but business is too slow right now. Guess it would be funny if the wife had more kick arse tools than me ...kinda.

 

[revhead347]

I've seen that happen before, but not on a Mustang. Were you trying to turn the nut off the end, or turn the bolt from the other side. Sometimes the bushing and the bolt become one. You have to put continuous heat on it until the bushing melts away.

Kurt

 

[S351Saleen77]

I've seen that happen before, but not on a Mustang. Were you trying to turn the nut off the end, or turn the bolt from the other side. Sometimes the bushing and the bolt become one. You have to put continuous heat on it until the bushing melts away.

Kurt

Good point! I turned the nuts initially not the bolts. Just got the other side off last night no problems.

The manual I have says to replace the bolts and nuts. Ford wanted $13 for each bolt and nut....I'm going to reuse mine they are in good shape.

I talked to my local Mustang shop who has done Lot's of them and they don't replace them either. In the MM directions for front control arms they talk about reusing also.

One thing they did say is that you can leave the nut loose and put the car on the ground to let the suspension load...I'm going to do this and then drive on a 4 post lift before tightening them. They need to be tightened at ride height because the bushing collars "lock" with the teeth. Funny the Cobra arms only have the teeth on one bushing not both like the factory arms.

 

[HISSIN50]

On old fox III's, the bolts seize into the sleeves pretty often.

You definitely want the car at ride height when you cinch the LCA bolts.