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control arm swap

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Old 10-13-2016, 07:10 PM
  #1  
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Year: 2001 and 2004
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Default control arm swap

I need to do all of the control arms on my 01 wj and have never done this style before. I am looking for tips and tricks to ake the job go as fast and smooth as possible. Also wondering if I should do my coil springs at the same time. Will it be easier? Or will it be just as easy to do them at a later date? My Jeep is a 4.0l Loredo 4x also. Thanks for your tips and assistance in advance as well as thenks for taking the time to read my post. Have a great day, Rummy
Old 10-14-2016, 12:33 AM
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The lower arms are a piece of cake. Mark the position of the cam bolts at the axle end of the lower arms to help keep the alignment in spec. Do one arm at a time and don't tighten the bolts until you have the vehicle weight on the tires. The upper arms will be a pain the the butt. Do those one at a time too. A strong ratchet strap and a floor Jack will help get the jobs one.
Old 10-14-2016, 02:23 AM
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Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
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Welcome to CF, Rummy! Please fill out your profile box so we'll know without asking what you're working on. It helps us immensely.

The job is a snap on a lift, but can be done on jackstands high enough to hang the wheels, then use a floor jack to contain the spring pressure as you take off the control arms. I just changed the rear lower control arms on my 2000 WJ and I was amazed the bushing bolts spun right out with an impact wrench with no problem with rust welding them into the bushing sleeves. That's where the problems start, if they are rusted in. This is a PA jeep that only spent 3 winters in NY, so it hasn't started to rust yet. Well...the brake lines have!

Your rear upper has a single ball joint on top of the differential that you should check for wear. It's a sealed unit and can't be greased. The frame end bushings are torsion type and can be checked visually.

It's best to get an alignment after changing anything on the suspension.

Last edited by dave1123; 10-14-2016 at 02:48 AM.
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