So I have to replace all my bushings and ball joints in the front end. Since I do not have a press I figured it would be easier to just get replacement control arms. I ordered them from RockAuto and they arrived yesterday. When I checked out the upper control arm I noticed that one of the pivot bolts was loose. Why is this? Should I tighten it after I get it on the truck? Is this left loose for alignment purposes?

Thanks for the info.

BTW....

Dealer wanted $3550 for this work, parts were $750 and then the alignment. I figured I saved a little bit of cash/

 

Post a pic of said bolt?

If it holds things in place, no point having them torqued before installation.....

 

Said bolt circled in yellow

 

That looks right to me. Mine looked exactly the same. After you get them bolted on just torque them down to make sure they are tight .

 

I dont think that bolt has to do with alignment (I could be wrong though) but I imagine if it was too tight it wouldnt pivot freely enough. When I did my ball joints when I put the UCA back on, i didnt get the cross shaft bolts tight enough at first and my first drive had a scary clunk on full right lock. Lol needless to say, those bolts DO have to do with alignment