TRQ PSA37975 lower control arms

[23JeepJT]

Hello,
I managed to hit a curb the other day. Turns out, wheels and lower control arms really don't appreciate curbs too much. Fast fwd, So I replaced the bent rim and started to replace the lower control arms. Beginning with the bent arm on the passenger side first. I ordered replacement arms from TRQ. I managed to get the rear portion inserted only to find an almost 1" difference in the front. It looks like the arm is almost an inch too long. I'm not sure what to do. Thanks in advance for any help.

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[kevman65]

Okay, hopefully you have the JT up on jack stands on the FRAME and not the front axle.

Once up on jack stands on the FRAME, LOOSEN, not remove, all the bolts for the control arms, both upper and lower, frame and axle ends. You may or may not need to remove the lower front shock bolts.
At this point, you can manipulate the front axle a little. Your track bar will only give you so much. If you need more, remove the axle end of the track bar.

 

[23JeepJT]

It's on a lift currently. I wasn't sure if loosening the shocks would help. I'll take another stab at it in the morning. Thanks, Kev!

 

[kevman65]

I can only assume that all JT's are like mine was, suspension in a bad bind.

When I put mine on jack stands on the frame just behind control arm bolt ups and then loosened all the control arm bolts with the floor jack under axle, that axle jumped and popped and shifted all over the place.

 

[23JeepJT]

This all so very new. I've replaced a bunch of suspension parts in my day, all GM classics, but the jeep suspension is new to me and it looks a little over complicated to me. Thanks again and I'll give you an update if I survive.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Assuming the control arm is the correct length and you’ve compared the old one and the new one….

As previously described, loosen the other control arm bolts and don’t tighten any of these to the torque spec until you have all 4 tires on the ground, to avoid bushing bind.
With the frame supported and the axle on a rolling Jack also as described….
I’ve had great success with using a ratchet strap to pull the axle and get control arms (works great with track bars too) lined up where I need them and keep them there while I work . A 6 pack of beer can be substituted to get a buddy to help push it around.

Good luck!

 

[Gizmo]

I leave the vehicle sitting on the ground and do 1 lower arm at a time. No need to loosen any other bolts than the bolts on the arm you are working on. This way if you have to move the axle to line up the bolt holes you can put your hand on the tire and push it or pull it depending on the direction you need to line up the holes. Use a piece of wood or something as a tire chock to hold the tire in place as you move it if working by your self.

 

[23JeepJT]

Just an update on the lower control arms. After I took the lower shock bolts out the arms were much easier to manipulate. Thanks to everyone who helped with your technical expertise! Stella is driving like a dream again.

 

[mgw750]

I just did this yesterday on the wife's Wrangler (same frontend as gladiator). She has a winch installed on it. I ran the line down and under the front bumper and used a soft shackle to attach to the axel. A little pull with the winch lined it right up .

 

[23JeepJT]

Sweet! I had some ratcheting straps that were subpar, but I'm going to address that tonight. And while I'm shopping I am also going to look for some trail rated badges that say pothole rated and curb rated on them.

 

[BearFootSam]

Hello,
I managed to hit a curb the other day. Turns out, wheels and lower control arms really don't appreciate curbs too much. Fast fwd, So I replaced the bent rim and started to replace the lower control arms. Beginning with the bent arm on the passenger side first. I ordered replacement arms from TRQ. I managed to get the rear portion inserted only to find an almost 1" difference in the front. It looks like the arm is almost an inch too long. I'm not sure what to do. Thanks in advance for any help.

For the sake of a data point, how hard exactly did you hit that curb and how big was it?

These are reasonably sturdy trucks and I've hit some whopper holes on forest roads without ill effect so far. I don't imagine a short turn over a curb would do such damage.

 

[23JeepJT]

I hit it hard enough to bend my lower control arm on the passenger side and I bent the rim on the side too.

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