lower control arm replacement

[oz16us]

does anyone have instructions for the lower control arm replacement for a sport trac 2001? thx in advance

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Unless you're LCA bushings are bad just replace the balljoints. It's a lot cheaper and a ton easier then removing the torsion bars. There are plenty of write-ups on how to replace the LCA and balljoints, most of the good ones are in the stock 2nd Gen Ex section in the sticky section.

 

[oz16us]

thanks for the reply. Yes, I have bad LCA bushings....can't seem to find an all-in-one tutorial online

 

[jmmorgan82]

This isn't an all-in-one how-to, but combined with some of the other write-ups for UCA/Lower ball joints it can point you in the right direction.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2318073&postcount=17

 

[swshawaii]

Here's another method to R&R the torsion bars using a puller. Either method works, but please be VERY careful.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142973

 

[oz16us]

thanks for the reply guys. I was wondering, if it's possible to reuse a newly installed ball joint off the LCA. Is it even possible to remove the ball joint without destroying the rubber boot on it with a fork?

 

[swshawaii]

If the lower ball joint was recently installed, it should separate without a pickle fork. Spray penetrant and loosen
the stud nut putting pressure under it with a bottle or floor jack, then hit around the taper on the knuckle. POP!

 

[oz16us]

it sounds like the hardest part about removing the LCA is the torsion bars....anyone ever do it? Just want to know, if it's more difficult than it seems. Then I have to figure out how to replace the bushings. Am i prone to more tire wear, if I don't replace those bushings?

 

[swshawaii]

Unloading the torsion bars was scary to me when I installed lowering keys. Not difficult, just lot's of force involved.
If you go through with this, consider replacing the complete lower control arm. Cost of labor pressing in new bushings
alone may be approaching the price of a new LCA. Also includes a new ball joint.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1366680,parttype,10401

 

[oz16us]

a moog lower control arm with ball joint for $60+ .... how did I not see this before?