Lower Control Arm
LOWER CONTROL ARM - 4X2REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Support the lower control arm at the outboard side of the lower control arm to support vehicle weight.
4. Remove the shock.
5. Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of the tool at the shock hole.
6. Tighten the spring compressor nut against bell-shaped adapter finger tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the lower suspension arm is separated from the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the stabilizer link.
8. Remove the lower ball joint nut at the steering knuckle (1).
9. Install Ball Joint Remover tool 8677 (2)on the lower ball joint and separate the ball joint from the knuckle.
NOTE: Do not allow the upper control arm and steering knuckle to rebound downwards they must be supported.
10. Support the upper control arm and steering knuckle out of the way.
11. Remove the lower control arm support.
12. Tighten the spring compressor tool to allow clearance for the lower ball joint to be removed out of the knuckle.
13. Loosen the tension on the spring compressor tool slowly allowing the lower suspension arm to pivot downward.
14. Remove the spring compressor tool.
15. Remove coil spring and isolator pad from the vehicle.
16. Remove the front and rear pivot bolts (1&2).
17. Remove the lower control arm (3).
INSTALLATION
1. Install the lower control arm (3) into place on the vehicle.
2. Install the front and rear control arm pivot bolts (1&2) finger tight.
3. Install the coil spring into the frame pocket.
4. Install the Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole in the frame.
5. Tighten the tool nut to compress the coil spring.
6. Remove the support from the upper control arm and steering knuckle.
7. Position the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle.
8. Install the retaining nut on the lower ball joint and tighten to 52 Nm (38 ft. lbs.) (on 1500 series only an additional 90° turn is required) or 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.) (HD 4X2 only).
9. Support the lower control arm at the outboard side of the lower control arm to support vehicle weight.
10. Remove the spring compressor tool.
11. Install the shock absorber.
12. Install the stabilizer link.
13. Remove the lower control arm support.
14. Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle.
15. Lower the vehicle to the floor with vehicle weight and Tighten the front and rear control arm pivot bolts to 204 Nm (150 ft. lbs.) (LD) or 285 Nm (210 ft. lbs.) (HD 4X2 only).
16. Perform a wheel alignment.