Lower Control Arm Install Method?

[Aonarch]

Mopar Extended LCAs

So I was planning on putting my Gladiator on my Quickjack, supporting the axle, and R&I each LCA one at a time.

But... I just saw a YT video where a guy, who seems competent, did it with his Gladiator on the ground, without lifting or supporting anything. He did one at a time as well, but it looked super easy.

Is that a decent way to do it? Or could that turn into a struggle? I'm worried about fighting the bolt hole alignment in my garage.

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[Renegade]

It can be done on the ground, one arm at a time. You will have to manipulate the axle a bit to get the first new arm in, as it will be 1/4" longer than the current position of the axle. This can usually be done with a pry bar or a ratchet strap.

 

[darkhorse13]

100% just do it on the ground one side at a time. That's how I did my lowers and uppers. I used a ratchet strap around the axle to fine tune the bolt hole to line up.

 

[Aonarch]

Solid thanks all!

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Def ground. You can use a jack to adjust the axle position and get the arms in there. Just make sure it isn't on the driveshaft.

 

[mx5red]

I didn't change arms but I installed the Rusty's LCA frame skids, and took me a few hours to get the holes lined up enough to put the bolt back through. I tried ratchet straps first, didn't work, tried pry bars, didn't really work or would get bolt started then still misaligned enough that it wouldn't go through other side.
Eventually what got it to work was putting my jack under the front of the pumpkin and putting just enough pressure to tilt the axle a little and push the LCA forward.

To be fair, I'm not on youtube, I'm not competent, nor am I smart.

 

[brianinca]

Takes 30 min for a klutz like me to do both. You should have wheel chocks anyway, all you have to do to manipulate the position of the arms is to move the axle forward/back with the chocks.

Push the tire back, kick the chock, lather rinse repeat. Front arm too far forward? Move front tire back. Front arm too far back? Move back tire back.

Mopar Extended LCAs

So I was planning on putting my Gladiator on my Quickjack, supporting the axle, and R&I each LCA one at a time.

But... I just saw a YT video where a guy, who seems competent, did it with his Gladiator on the ground, without lifting or supporting anything. He did one at a time as well, but it looked super easy.

Is that a decent way to do it? Or could that turn into a struggle? I'm worried about fighting the bolt hole alignment in my garage.

 

[Jeepin' John]

Mopar Extended LCAs

So I was planning on putting my Gladiator on my Quickjack, supporting the axle, and R&I each LCA one at a time.

But... I just saw a YT video where a guy, who seems competent, did it with his Gladiator on the ground, without lifting or supporting anything. He did one at a time as well, but it looked super easy.

Is that a decent way to do it? Or could that turn into a struggle? I'm worried about fighting the bolt hole alignment in my garage.

you're going to like that sweet, sweet caster. Just did these on mine and man, it drives so good

 

[hjdca]

I think the best way is to do it on level ground, and first go around and loosen up all the control arm bolts a lot -- all at once, but, do not take the bolts out. Then, go and change each arm one at a time. Since all the bolts are loose, you will have an easier time pushing the truck around to get the holes lined up. Do not tighten any of the bolts at all until you have all the Control arms changed..., then torque them to spec all at once, when the truck is on level ground.

 

[Boostnu]

I did mine same way as mentioned on the ground. One at time and was able to use the tire to move the axle back and forth to get the bolt lined up.

 

[Aonarch]

Went in super easy. I also installed a rear level and Bilstein shocks all around.

 

[93civej1]

Went in super easy. I also installed a rear level and Bilstein shocks all around.

What was your method? Any tips on how you did it? I am looking into doing this.

 

[Aonarch]

What was your method? Any tips on how you did it? I am looking into doing this.

For LCA just do one side at a time. You might need to use ratchet straps to help reposition the axle. So make sure you have room/ the amenities.

 

[Uparms]

Just took off my front lower CA's, Mopar lift. On the ground, one side at a time. Just rock the wheel you are working on to line up the bolts. Loosen both upper and lower CA Bolts then swap away. Might use a whel check too.

Did this to install JKS Geometry Corrections brackets today. (Returned to stock lower CA).
Wish I had done the CAs on the ground when I did the lift 2 years ago.

 

[kevman65]

If you are changing just your LCA's, you SHOULD do it on the ground. You SHOULD loosen all bolts on upper and lower control arms.
The bushings in factory control arms are fixed, they do not pivot, they do not like flexing.
By loosening them all, changing the lowers, then tightening everything back up on the ground, you have placed the bushings in the correct position for the new ride location.

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