Upper Control Arm Installation

I removed my upper control arms and replaced the bushings. I supported the lower control arms with jack stands. I reinstalled the upper control arms on the sub frame but now have about 2.5 inches between the spindle and the upper ball joint. I attempted to jack up the lower control arms to make up the gap but the car just went up instead of the control arms getting closer together so I could attached the upper ball joint. The engine is not in the car to add to weight which would help compress the springs.

Has anyone had this problem? What is a solution?

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Permalink Reply by 3ft7bqmb7dryo on April 9, 2023 at 5:33pm

ratchet strap

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Permalink Reply by Robert Schles on April 10, 2023 at 4:56pm

I tried the ratchet strap but as the spring compressed the strap got so tight it was impossible to move the ratchet.

I found using a 1/2" threaded rod through the shock tower work great. The rod goes in the same place as the shock with washers and a nut at the top. At the bottom, I placed a Kindorf channel strut across the lower control arm with washers and a nut. I tighten the top nut with an impact driver compressing the spring. The ball joint practically fell in place.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Schles on April 9, 2023 at 5:39pm

Thanks I give it a try

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