Trying to install new front lower control arms on my JK. No instructions. Was told to do one at a time. Measured before installing, but now holes won't line up on axle side mount. Am I doing this correctly? Is there a trick I am missing? View attachment 113790 View attachment 113791 View attachment 113792
Try jacking the frame higher.
I'm doing it on the ground, should it be jacked up?
Yes. Just enough to to align the holes. Otherwise it will be too hard to align the parts.
You can try jacking on the tie rod just a bit.
That's probably not smart.
Jack up the axle and it will move and the bolt will align. It's easiest with two people.
You can try jacking on the tie rod just a bit.
While you're at it, just try ramming the tie rod into something big... That's sure to work.
Of coarse I'm kidding... Not sure I'd ever intentionally put that stress on steering components. Unless of coarse you are trying to bend back a bent tie rod.
While you're at it, just try ramming the tie rod into something big... That's sure to work.
Of coarse I'm kidding... Not sure I'd ever intentionally put that stress on steering components. Unless of coarse you are trying to bend back a bent tie rod.
Hahahah....I was only trying to share what worked for me. I actually stole the idea from http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?3861-Basic-Do-it-Yourself-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Front-End-Alignment, post #4.............
Hahahah....I was only trying to share what worked for me. I actually stole the idea from http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?3861-Basic-Do-it-Yourself-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Front-End-Alignment, post #4.............
I think the quote goes something like this. "IF you determine that the axle mount needs to rotate down and back, place a floor jack under the tie-rod as close to the joint as possible and raise it up slowly until the holes line up." Thanks Eddie for all the great tips!!!!
All you have to do is rotate the axle to get the holes to line up. When the Jeep is up on stands (on the frame, either front or back depending on which axle you are working on), use a jack to raise either a forward part of the axle (I've used a swaybar endlink tab before) or a rearward part of the axle (I always use the tail end of the pumpkin/or diff housing). It will line up very easy this way. You just have to look at it and determine if the axle has to rotate forward or back.
His jeep was on the ground. It's more work then needed to put the jeep on jack stands just to install lower control arms.
X2, on the link I also used a rachet strap wrapped on the axle and the frame/crossmember to help move the axle to align the hole with the bolt....