Control Arm Installation

[jeepins]

Been reading (searching) a lot of threads on replacing the control arms. I'm about to on my 98 TJ using the Core Tier 2's. Working on a slightly angled driveway at 5 degrees and after just installing a Teraflex 2" lift myself, i'm wondering if working on a slight angle like that is making it more difficult to remove/replace the control arms? Seems they're under a slight load and most of the bolts are hard to remove. Is that normal even on level ground?

Also, working at that slight angle.. would it make them harder to put in and/or align things afterwards? I read the rear uppers are the most critical, at least with the lift I have and rear lowers along with front upper/lower should be set at stock length.

Working on the driveway is the most ideal for me so I'd like to do as much as safely/correctly possible there but if I have to finish it up on level ground and adjust things I definitely will.

 

[KMET]

Safety first!

Find yourself some level ground.

 

[Chris]

If you're working on an angle, then there will be load on the control arm bolts. I did mine in my garage (which is completely flat) and I was able to get each control arm out one-by-one while the vehicle was on the ground without a jack or anything. Doing it that way there is no tension on the bolts as long as you do it one-by-one.

 

[jeepins]

Yep, got it.. thx for the replies!

 

[ac_]

My garage also has a 5 degree offset, I replaced my control arms with not issues. I also have a 98 TJ.

I replaced mine one at a time, and I had to use a tie down strap to move the axle around to get it to line up. It wasn't too difficult. Although I wasn't changing pinion angles or anything. I was replacing them with the stock crown CA's

 

[jeepins]

What makes it harder is I have all of my steering linkage removed currently (replacing all of it for the first time with heavy duty goodies). Well i'll give it another go this weekend and hopefully won't come back here and swear up the joint lol