I'm replacing the Control arm bushings on my 2000 GC. I've successfully removed the passenger side and now over on the driver side. I have a few questions:

1. Where should I make the reference marks before lowering the cradle?

2. How many bolts fasten the cradle?

3. Do I need to loosen both sides?

 

Do yourself a favor and just cut the old bolt off t. You'll save a lot of time and reinstalling a new bolt is as simple as just pounding it in.
Been there and done that. I could have saved myself several days of trying different ways to get the bolt out until I gave up and cut the head off.

 

Are you sure this will work? It doesn't appear that upon reassembly a new bolt could be inserted from the rear (due to the portion of the control arm casting that houses the ball joint). If you've tried and it has worked for you, then I'll accept your experience.

I'd hate to be surprised on this one...

 

I did it this past winter. Just to be sure we're talking the same bolt, I cut off the one on the driver's side that inserts from the front. I couldn't clear the transmission when I tried to remove it but had no issue knocking a new one back in. Since you have a 2000 and mine is a 2001, there could be a difference in how the control arm is mounted.

 

If I remember correctly the cradle has 3 bolts per side, but you have to remove the transaxle mount bolt from the rear of the engine/axle to get the cradle to lower. I loosened both sides when I replaced the lower control arm that had a new ball joint and bushing. Scribe marks on the chassis to realign. If it's off it will only effect caster.