how to remove upper rear control arm

[lostforawhile]

I would have posted this in suspension but since you can't post any new threads i put it here. I just recently replaced both my upper rear control arms and i took some pics for the newbies. the first one took about 15 minutes,but the second one was a saved part from a parts car and it took about three hours to get a broken cotter key out of it. &^%$%$& :mad: it was a good arm and i sure wasn't going to throw it away.


first remove the wheel http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_139_full.jpg
remove the cotter key and the nut holding on the ball joint
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_140_full.jpg
separate the ball joint from the spindle arm using a ball joint remover tool,or a pitman arm puller like this http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_142_full.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_142_full.jpg
here's a better pic with an assembly off the carhttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_146_full.jpg
make sure you support the lower spindle after you remove the ball joint,next remove the two bolts attaching the arm to the inner wheel wellhttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_141_full.jpg
next install the new arm by attaching the two bolts inside the wheel well,make sure you locktite these bolts!!http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2050000-2050999/2050019_143_full.jpg
reinstall the ball joint into the spindle arm
install the nut and cotter key,don't skip the cotter key!!i've seen several at the junkyard where the nut was almost backed off because someone was too lazy to install a key. this is your safety!
double check everything and reinstall the wheel
get your alignment checked

[lostforawhile]

if someone could move this into how-to in suspension i would appreciate it. i spent a lot of time putting this together for a how to.

[bullard123]

Nice how to. Glad you took the time out of your busy schedule to help out us fellow 3geers.

[lostforawhile]

always have the time, i try to take some pics whenever i do something, if it helps someone out then it's worth it. that's how you keep old cars on the road by helping each other out.