Lower Control Arm Replacement RWD

Tools Required

J 23028-A Coil Spring Remover and Installer

1. Remove the front coil spring. Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement .
2. Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .



3. Support the lower control arm using J 23028-A .



4. Guide the lower control arm out of the splash shield opening.



5. Remove the nuts from the lower control arm bolts.
6. Remove the lower control arm bolts.
7. Remove the lower control arm from the frame.

1. Install the lower control arm to the frame.
2. Install the lower control arm bolts with the head forward.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the nuts to the lower control arm bolts.

Tighten

•	Tighten the nuts with the front suspension loaded.

•	Tighten the lower control arm front nut to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

•	Tighten the lower control arm rear nut to 98 N·m (72 lb ft).

4. Install the lower ball joint stud to the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
5. Install the front coil spring. Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement .
6. Check the front wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Lower Control Arm Replacement 4WD

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
3. Unload the torsion bar. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement .



4. Remove the drive axle nut. This allows more clearance for removal of the lower control arm.
5. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
6. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .



7. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the lower control arm to the crossmember and the frame bracket.
8. Remove the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
9. Remove the lower control arm from the frame.

Important: Install the front leg of the lower control arm into the crossmember before installing the rear leg into the frame bracket.

1. Install the lower control arm to the crossmember and to the frame bracket.
2. Install the lower control arm bolts in the direction shown.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the lower control arm nuts.

Tighten

•	Tighten the nuts with the lower control arm at the proper Z trim height. Refer to Trim Height Specifications in Suspension General Diagnosis.

•	Tighten the nuts and the bolts with the front suspension loaded.

•	Tighten the lower control arm front nut and the rear nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

4. Install the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
5. Install the lower ball joint stud nut and a new cotter pin.

Tighten
Tighten the lower ball joint stud nut to 108 N·m (79 lb ft).

6. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .



7. Install the drive axle nut.

Tighten
Tighten the drive axle nut to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

8. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
9. Load the torsion bar. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement .
10. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
11. Lower the vehicle.