Installing Rear Control Arms...

[cjman15]

I'm going to buy some new upper and lower rear control arms here soon and I was wondering if it is something I can install at home. I have a small hydraulic jack and a couple jackstands... I'd probably need to rent a spring compressor or something, but other than that, can it be done fairly easily at home without a lift?

Any advice?

Thanks, CJ

 

[marine_2003]

I did mine with a small jack, i didnt use a spring compressor.
I used the jack to jack up the pumpkin, and put a stand under the axle tubes. Then took the jack to the one lower control arm so i could take the bolt out, and the spring falls out. Then to put the spring back in use the jack to compress it so you can put the bolt back into the new lower control arms. Should work out just fine for you.

 

[soontobefastfox]

yep you can do it at home, I did it myself also

 

[InMyPrimeSVT]

How long did this take you?

 

[cjman15]

I just don't want to let the spring out too fast and kill myself... that's all I'm really worried about

How about the upper arms?

 

[marine_2003]

When you jack up the rear end, make sure that the uppers are somewhat straight, unbolt them and pull them out. The bolts may be tough to break, so be prepared for that, the spring is not just going to fly out.

 

[88_GT_5_oh]

the spring won't pop out on you, just do as they said above and it wil be ok. the shop manual doesn't even call for a spring compressor actually

 

[criticman]

Yeah, when I did my springs, no need for a compressor.

I will be installing my control arms here shortly - from all I have read various places, what everyone has said above is correct. A simple jack (two can be handy) and some jack stands, and you are pretty much good to go.

 

[cjman15]

Sounds good guys... Thanks for the advice... I'm guessing with the uppers as long as one side is still connected it will be pretty easy to put in and line up the other one.

I love being able to do my own work and saying some money.

 

[TrophyHead]

My advice is take the stock UCA off and replace with your aftermaket one. The move on to the other.

 

[strokedandblown]

yeah if your by your self a ratchet strap is a nice thing to have to realign the bolt holes on reinstallation.

Put the stands under the body, 2 jacks are the best one under the pumpkin, id remove both lcas using a jack to un compress the springs then use the jack under the pumpkin with some stands on the ends so it cant tip over on accident, lower the pumpkin down to get you arms up in there. Whatch out for the rear brake cabe if you go to low you'll snap that. If your going to do stainless brake lines nows your time to hit the rear. Then go throug the steps to reinstall. should take you an afternoon once you get the hang of it.

good luck

 

[JMD Engineering]

the process, as everyone else says, is pretty easy.

im 17, i used standard handtools, all in my driveway. it was cake.

takes a solid day to do.

USE A SMALL JACK (such as the one that can be found in your trunk) TO JACK UP PUMPKIN AND MESS WITH THE PINION ANGLE WHEN PUTTING IN LCA'S. <--- that was the biggest PITA for me.

good luck.

 

[RYC CUKR]

Pretty easy job.

The worst part for me was trying to line up the LCA to axle housing bolt holes. I ended up doing what JDM did and using another jack to adjust the pinion angle and slide the bolt back in. It took me a couple of hours with jack, jackstands and handtools.

 

[cjman15]

Sounds good, I'll figure it out I guess. I have my Hayne's manual too...

Thanks for your help.

 

[payupsucka]

heat and a breaker bar, those bolts are not gonna wanna budge for nothing.

 

[86bluecobra]

i did mine in my driveway took me all afternoon maybe a little past dinner time. didnt need anyones help