yopep

I'm looking to replace both lower control arms on my 2000 Cherokee Sport 4X4. I'm lookin to install OEM parts we are not doing anything other than changing out the lower control arms. I've called around to a couple of differnt shops and they are ridiculous.
Help here please, to change this myself--- I support the front axle with jack stands and remove the axle side bolt of the control arm and then remove the frame side bolt, remove control arm, then-- install a new control arm tighen bolts to spec ft lbs and move to the other side. Any complications with this swap out?

shadowman

Sounds like you got it down. Remember rust penetrant (WD40 Rust Specialist is awesome). Also, I ordered stock replacements from Rock Auto for almost half the cost at my local parts stores.

Xj88

Find some at a JY...
They shouldnt be much.

I usually have a ton of them laying around... but I dont think I have any in my pile.
If I did id send em to you for free.

XJPat

Shouldn't he losen the bolts then jack it up and put the jack stands on the frame not the axle?

jedijeb

I think you want the axle at ride height when installing not sagging, otherwise it is very difficult to get them to line up.

desertempire

I made the mistake of taking both LCAs out at full droop. It's probably easiest to replace one at a time at ride height.

Barrelmaker

Id support the frame with jack stands, a 3rd comes in handy to help support one side of the axle.
I've found it helpful to use the jack to move the pinion up or use it to twist the axle so the bolt lines up.
Also a ratchet strap can come in handy.
Either way just one at a time and you got it.

Bustedback

I did mine while the vehicle was on the ground, no jack or stands used. Just do one side at a time and block the wheels to keep them from rolling. You can rock the vehicle to get the bolts in if the holes don't line up.

caged

on the ground, no jack or stands.
begin by using a few ratchet straps and strap the axle towards the front and back, both sides, as tight as you can, so the axle won't move when you pull the control arm out.
do one side at a time.
this way all you have to do is knock the new control arm into the brackets and shove the bolts back in.
if you don't strap the axle in place first. good luck getting the holes to line up. it's doable, but a total pain in the a..

sycoglitch

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^this. When i did my IRO ones for 3" lift. I took stock ones off with battery impact gun and then ratchet strapped to my bumper and tightened until the new ones lined up

yopep

Thanks for all of the feedback on this, I'll be knocking this out Thanksgiving week.

caged

put the ratchet straps on before you even pull a bolt, then there's no lining up the hole with the new control arm unless you go with longer ones.
even if they're adjustable, just adjust them till they line up and slide the bolts in.
it's so easy this way.