Had this discussion at allfords so I figured I would
This was done in my driveway on jack stands. Hopefully will get the new Steeda adj arm and mount installed tomorrow, God willing since it's Good Friday, have to make service. Anyway...
Finally got some decent weather and a few minutes! Put the adj. panhard on yesterday, decided to tackle the UCA/mount today. Only took me 2hrs to get the stock one off! That includes breaking up a couple fights between the kids and making dinner too. Here's my set up and pointers I can offer.
Rear axle on jack stands and stands also at jack points just in case. Wheels were off the ground a brick width plus 2X4 so slid them under too, just in case. Front wheels chocked, both wheels, front/back. Also had the jack under the differential for most of the removal for added safety.
To remove the two bolts at the rear of the upper control mount, I used extensions long enough to reach the bolt and swing the ratchet below the differential (about 15" of extensions!) plus a swivel adapter at the socket. I used a 1/2" ratchet but the extensions were 3/8" and they worked well enough.
Next, I used the 1/2" ratchet and socket only, no extensions, to remove the nut (see pic) on the passenger side of the top of the differential. The space was really tight and only got 2 clicks on the ratchet at a time. Used the rear sway bar and panhard bar to brace against. Once it was broke loose, I put another ratchet on the bolt head side to hold it (swung so it was against something to brace it) and used an extension and swivel adapter to take the nut off the rest of the way. On into the interior, removed the rear seat to remove the uca mount bolt. Only had a deep 24mm socket and it needed so much torque, it would slip off. Buddy had an electric impact wrench he wanted me to try. No go. Grabbed a neighbors 24mm socket (not a deep socket), put it on the breaker bar, knelt on the ground with drivers door open, reached into the car and used the car to pull against and it came off easier than I expected. Had to support the car at jacking points to let the rear droop so I could get the arm/mount out. Have the new Steeda mount and adj. arm ready to go in and it should go in easier than it came out. Like everything, if I had to do it again, would be much quicker!
The pictures show (l to r) the rear diff. with the nut on top. Same pic with socket wrench on the nut. Hand on the wrench showing how little space there was.
This was done in my driveway on jack stands. Hopefully will get the new Steeda adj arm and mount installed tomorrow, God willing since it's Good Friday, have to make service. Anyway...
Finally got some decent weather and a few minutes! Put the adj. panhard on yesterday, decided to tackle the UCA/mount today. Only took me 2hrs to get the stock one off! That includes breaking up a couple fights between the kids and making dinner too. Here's my set up and pointers I can offer.
Rear axle on jack stands and stands also at jack points just in case. Wheels were off the ground a brick width plus 2X4 so slid them under too, just in case. Front wheels chocked, both wheels, front/back. Also had the jack under the differential for most of the removal for added safety.
To remove the two bolts at the rear of the upper control mount, I used extensions long enough to reach the bolt and swing the ratchet below the differential (about 15" of extensions!) plus a swivel adapter at the socket. I used a 1/2" ratchet but the extensions were 3/8" and they worked well enough.
Next, I used the 1/2" ratchet and socket only, no extensions, to remove the nut (see pic) on the passenger side of the top of the differential. The space was really tight and only got 2 clicks on the ratchet at a time. Used the rear sway bar and panhard bar to brace against. Once it was broke loose, I put another ratchet on the bolt head side to hold it (swung so it was against something to brace it) and used an extension and swivel adapter to take the nut off the rest of the way. On into the interior, removed the rear seat to remove the uca mount bolt. Only had a deep 24mm socket and it needed so much torque, it would slip off. Buddy had an electric impact wrench he wanted me to try. No go. Grabbed a neighbors 24mm socket (not a deep socket), put it on the breaker bar, knelt on the ground with drivers door open, reached into the car and used the car to pull against and it came off easier than I expected. Had to support the car at jacking points to let the rear droop so I could get the arm/mount out. Have the new Steeda mount and adj. arm ready to go in and it should go in easier than it came out. Like everything, if I had to do it again, would be much quicker!
The pictures show (l to r) the rear diff. with the nut on top. Same pic with socket wrench on the nut. Hand on the wrench showing how little space there was.