what needs to be supported to install the caster bolts on the lower control arms?
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Professional
Joined: Apr 2011
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what needs to be supported to install the caster bolts on the lower control arms?
the previous owner apparently removed the bolts and tossed in some grade 8 bolts with washers - entirely making it impossible to adjust camber/caster.
I ordered the replacement bolts / offset washers but need to install them. What needs to be braced to get these in, if anything? I only have one jack, so I don't want to jack up the wrong spot and have the control arm shift and not be able to get the replacements back in.
I ordered the replacement bolts / offset washers but need to install them. What needs to be braced to get these in, if anything? I only have one jack, so I don't want to jack up the wrong spot and have the control arm shift and not be able to get the replacements back in.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
Jack the truck up by the frame. Make sure that you can get the weight off the axle, and NOT interfere with the control arm moving. Shouldn't be too much of an issue, if the bolts haven't rusted themselves to the sleeves in the bushings......
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Professional
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so just let the axle hang in place then?
the bolts are newer, so it shouldnt be overly hard to get them out. the shop wanted $90 to install the 2 bolts and i thought it was a bit ridiculous. i just wanted to make sure it wasnt a task i needed 2 jacks for (to lift the frame, then potentially lift the axle), since my other jack is currently under my jeep as im replacing the axles on that.
the bolts are newer, so it shouldnt be overly hard to get them out. the shop wanted $90 to install the 2 bolts and i thought it was a bit ridiculous. i just wanted to make sure it wasnt a task i needed 2 jacks for (to lift the frame, then potentially lift the axle), since my other jack is currently under my jeep as im replacing the axles on that.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
Leave the axle so it is still sitting on the ground, (weight supported....) but, not very much. 
You want to be able to shift it if you have to, and don't wanna have to try and lift it. Not precisely light....
You want to be able to shift it if you have to, and don't wanna have to try and lift it. Not precisely light....
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lee County, North Carolina
A floor jack under each end should make the job easier since they have wheels.
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,055
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From: Lee County, North Carolina
Whoops. Didn't see that part.
As long as everything is connected aside from the bolt being replaced then it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
As long as everything is connected aside from the bolt being replaced then it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
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Registered User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Bristol CT
You don't need to support anything as long as you just do one side at a time. I just replace the bolts on mine as I was doing the control arm bushings and I just left the truck sitting on ground as it normally would.
I agree that if they rust into the bushings it is a bear of a job.
I agree that if they rust into the bushings it is a bear of a job.
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You don't need to support anything as long as you just do one side at a time. I just replace the bolts on mine as I was doing the control arm bushings and I just left the truck sitting on ground as it normally would.
I agree that if they rust into the bushings it is a bear of a job.
I agree that if they rust into the bushings it is a bear of a job.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
If you only do one at a time, not using a jack should be ok...... I am just more paranoid than that.
My idea of lifting the truck by the frame, so you can take the weight of the truck off the axle, was to make shuffling the axle around a bit, to get holes to line up easier.
My idea of lifting the truck by the frame, so you can take the weight of the truck off the axle, was to make shuffling the axle around a bit, to get holes to line up easier.