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View Full Version : Upper control arm help!!



rm2406
10-17-2011, 12:32 PM
hello jeepsters! i was changing my uca bushing this weekend when i ran into a little problem. bushing went in fine but now i cant get the axle to line up with the bushing bolt hole.its like 1/2 inch off. i tried to drive the jeep foward so the tire hits the curb hoping it will push axle back so bolt holes line up but it was a no go. any tips or tricks to get them to align??? i didnt remove the control arm i just unbolted the axle end, slid the bushing in then when i tried to push the bolt through it wasnt aligning...greatly appreciate help!

4.3LXJ
10-17-2011, 01:17 PM
This is a typical problem. None of them will line up from the factory. Just use a come along or a good ratchet strap to pull the top of the axle one way or the other. Do the driver side first.

prcjeep
10-17-2011, 01:44 PM
x2^^ I had the same issue when installing my new control arms... straps are the only way i made it work, combined with lifting and lowering the axle to line things up

Mudderoy
10-17-2011, 02:55 PM
hello jeepsters! i was changing my uca bushing this weekend when i ran into a little problem. bushing went in fine but now i cant get the axle to line up with the bushing bolt hole.its like 1/2 inch off. i tried to drive the jeep foward so the tire hits the curb hoping it will push axle back so bolt holes line up but it was a no go. any tips or tricks to get them to align??? i didnt remove the control arm i just unbolted the axle end, slid the bushing in then when i tried to push the bolt through it wasnt aligning...greatly appreciate help!


This is a typical problem. None of them will line up from the factory. Just use a come along or a good ratchet strap to pull the top of the axle one way or the other. Do the driver side first.

Yeah it can be pretty frustrating. What Steve said, a come along. I used a ratchet strap and I really needed something with a little more "umph" I mean it worked but I needed a good nap after wards. :rotfl2:

Showtime3492
10-17-2011, 04:07 PM
I was in the same situation and did exactly as stated above used a come along one time and a ratchet strap another and then yet another a high lift turned sideways like a comealong anchored to an f150... That last time was after my long arms and NOTHIN lined up but all the measurements checked out.

prcjeep
10-17-2011, 04:41 PM
sheesh... sounds like yours were WAY off... Pics?

Showtime3492
10-17-2011, 04:48 PM
sheesh... sounds like yours were WAY off... Pics?

I think that i have one its on a friends phone let me see if i can get it lol it was funny

prcjeep
10-17-2011, 05:34 PM
anticipation is killing me!
:smiley-whacky097:

Showtime3492
10-17-2011, 09:57 PM
anticipation is killing me!
:smiley-whacky097:


Ok so since i cant come up with the pic heres a pic of the before scenario... SO new long arms.. trac bar that was on it is now junk (RE1600) went to ironman4x4fab double shear fornt axle would NOT center so i grabbed my hi lift put it on its side and some rope and a ratchet strap hooked to an f150 later. BAM centered axle... I tore part of the passenger upper control arm back while putting on uppers with a come along, I wrapped the come along around the rear axle and came up to the upper control arm mount with the other hook.


http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l626/Showtime3492/263209_2010520588272_1401465462_32000933_1550102_n .jpg

prcjeep
10-17-2011, 11:30 PM
Ok so since i cant come up with the pic heres a pic of the before scenario... SO new long arms.. trac bar that was on it is now junk (RE1600) went to ironman4x4fab double shear fornt axle would NOT center so i grabbed my hi lift put it on its side and some rope and a ratchet strap hooked to an f150 later. BAM centered axle... I tore part of the passenger upper control arm back while putting on uppers with a come along, I wrapped the come along around the rear axle and came up to the upper control arm mount with the other hook.


http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l626/Showtime3492/263209_2010520588272_1401465462_32000933_1550102_n .jpg

I just realized something that we did...:sign0101:

Though I hope the added info has helped you rm2406

rm2406
10-18-2011, 03:55 PM
i think the i will give the ratchet strap a shot... one more question... where is the best place to use (mount)the strap to help align the axle?? my axle bolt hole is like side by side with the bushing hole.. kinda like 2 circles side by side.. so the axle needs to be pushed or pulled to align.(foward or back, not up or down). thanks for tips!!

4.3LXJ
10-18-2011, 04:35 PM
Any place you can. Bumper or cross member depending on direction. You can also use a hydraulic jack under the steering arm on the knuckle.