Adjustment for upper control arm install?

[Bushfamily5]

I have fought through set back after set back this weekend replacing the control arms on my new to me TJ. Frozen bolts, rust, upper bushings, etc.

I got 7 of the 8 done but I must have done something while hammering the crap out of the left upper bushing because now the new Moog replacement upper just won’t fit. It’s about 3/4 of a hole off. I’ve loosened all fronts, raised axle, dropped axle.
What moved and how can I get it back?

thanks

 

[Steel City 06]

Do you have cam bolts in the lower control arms where they meet the frame? If so, if they are out of adjustment, the control arms may bind. Even if you have standard bolts, make sure they are very loose in those holes before you get everything aligned. Even without a cam washer, they can still slide forward and backwards in the slot.

 

[Goatman]

Are these stock control arms? Any chance the Jeep has been in an accident? Did you change arms 1 at a time or remove all and the start installing all? Double check the axle side upper bushings are pressed all the way in. If 1 is off the alignment of the arms will be off too. All 4 arms need to align or they will bind when flexing (I'm sure you know this)

 

[Midtenn]

I made this mistake of removing both front upper at once. What I had to do was use a jack and a small piece of 2x4 right around the front of the axle, it rotated the axle enough for it to mount. I'm not at home but I will try to find a picture.

 

[Bushfamily5]

I do not seem to have cam bolts on the front lower. I have bolts with a large standard washer and nut. I don't think the jeep has ever been in an accident. Everything else lines up pretty well. I had been doing one arm at a time but somehow ended up with the right front upper and left front lower off at the same time. When I realized, the left lower mounted up without too much trouble.

On this driver's side upper, while the arm is about 3/4 of a hole off, the alignment of the arm seems off. Like the top of the axle rotated away and moved to the right ever so slightly? I was going to change the tie rod, drag link and track bar after the arms were done. Would it make any sense to remove those while trying to get the arm in?

 

[Bushfamily5]

Goatman - These are Moog stock replacements. Nothing special

 

[Midtenn]

I do not seem to have cam bolts on the front lower. I have bolts with a large standard washer and nut. I don't think the jeep has ever been in an accident. Everything else lines up pretty well. I had been doing one arm at a time but somehow ended up with the right front upper and left front lower off at the same time. When I realized, the left lower mounted up without too much trouble.

On this driver's side upper, while the arm is about 3/4 of a hole off, the alignment of the arm seems off. Like the top of the axle rotated away and moved to the right ever so slightly? I was going to change the tie rod, drag link and track bar after the arms were done. Would it make any sense to remove those while trying to get the arm in?

I would not, did you try jacking the axle up on the front. There is a bracket welded to the axle where the lower control arm attaches. I slid a 2x4 on it's side to fit up in there...jacked it up and that rotated the axle so that it would align.

 

[Bushfamily5]

OK I'll give it a try tonight. I have loosened all front arm attachment points. I'll see if I can get the top of the axle to rotate back. Frustrating as heck but I guess not totally surprising after how hard I had to go at that left front bushing.

Thanks

 

[scottgraham]

Ratchet strap to pull things back together.

 

[Bushfamily5]

Looking at the Jeep with fresh eyes this afternoon and I was wondering if the fact that the previous owner put on a 3” spring lift in front would make the situation more difficult. I doesn’t look like he changed anything else but 3” lift springs in the front, 2” in the back and 33” tires.
Would those 3” spring contribute to the situation?

thanks

 

[Steel City 06]

Have you tried disconnecting the trackbar? At certain heights, the suspension will bind. If it does, if one link is removed it may be very difficult to reinstall. Also, make sure the steering wheel is free to turn (not locked up).

 

[Bushfamily5]

I have not but certainly can give it a try. I tried a ratchet strap tonight and came very very close to getting it but i sure had it tight. Seems like I shouldn’t have to do that.

 

[WallyWest]

3" lift with stock track bar could certainly cause issues with lining up control arms. Is your track bar adjustable?

 

[cpwolf]

Ratchet strap the hell out of it. Also, get a long bit (I'm losing the name of it) or heavy duty long phillips screwdriver. Get it in and use leverage to pull the sleeve aligned and get the bolt in from the other side.

Personally, I wouldn't disconnect something else to get this on, only going to mean you're pulling etc to get that connected. You have a 3" lift, and putting stock arms, it's going to be tight to get them there. Another is to get it close, then have a friend get on the tire and push it forward (or backward) depending on what you need, that will move the axle. Get a long pry bar, super long, or put a jack under the pinion or front depending on which way it needs to rotate.

On my rear track bar bolt, I used a grinder and necked down the end of the bolt, then ran a thread cleaner to make sure the nut would still go on, then get it started in the hole, and turn the bolt with an impact and have it pull in (not ideal. You can also do that with a bolt you don't want to keep in there, and once it's in, take the permanent bolt and push the old one out so it won't dis-lodge and back feed the old bolt out.

I'm trying to give ever different thing I've seen or done. All of those are options, maybe a combination of those to get it done.

 

[Goatman]

I wouldn't disconnect anything else either. If you have a long screwdriver or punch to help pull the link into position it may help. Keep the ratchet strap on good and tight to help realign that bolt.
Or try skinning that cat another way. Remove the last bolt from the lower arm you just did, then get this upper all back together. Then go back to that lower arm mount. You'll have more room to work and perhaps better leverage to get it back in place.

 

[Bushfamily5]

It is done!!! Thank you all for the ideas. I utilized a well placed jack, a strap and some help and finally got it.