Lower Control Arm Replacement (2500, 3500)

Lower Control Arm Replacement (2500, 3500)

Special Tools

* CH 43631 - Ball Joint Separator

* J 45851 - Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Front Suspension.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

3. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500) Front SuspensionStabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) Front Suspension.

4. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style) Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style).

5. Remove the front shock absorber from the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500, 3500) Shock Absorber Replacement.

6. Remove the wheel drive shaft, if needed. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) Wheel Drive Shaft ReplacementWheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500/3500) Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.





7. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut (1). Replace with NEW only.





8. Using the CH 43631 - separator (1) and the J 45851 - adapters (2), remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.





9. Remove the front lower control arm nut (1) and bolt (2).





10. Remove the lower control rear nut (1) and bolt (2).

11. Remove the lower control arm (3).

Installation Procedure





1. Position the lower control arm (3) in the frame.

2. Install the lower control arm rear bolt (2) and nut (1) and hand tighten.





3. Install the lower control arm front bolt (2) and nut (1) and hand tighten.

4. Before tighten the lower control nuts to the specified torque, perform the following to ensure the proper trim height settings:

1. Support the lower control arm.

2. Using an appropriate hydraulic jack, raise the lower control arm until just contacts both jumper bumpers.

5. Tighten the front and rear lower control arm mounting nuts:

1. First Pass 180 Nm (133 lb ft).

2. Final Pass additional 60 degrees.





6. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle.

7. Install the NEW lower ball joint nut (1) and tighten to:

1. First Pass 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

2. Final Pass additional 95 degrees.

8. Install the front shock absorber to the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500, 3500) Shock Absorber Replacement.

9. Install the wheel drive shaft, if removed. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) Wheel Drive Shaft ReplacementWheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500/3500) Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

10. Install the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style) Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style).

11. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500) Front SuspensionStabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) Front Suspension.

12. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

13. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

14. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement Wheel Alignment Measurement.