FixVault

Upper Control Arm: Installation

CAUTION: When installing upper control arm, serrated area around mounting stud holes in pivot bar must be facing frame.
NOTE: When installing upper control arm be sure sport shims are in place between pivot bar and frame rail. One sport shim is to be installed on each pivot bar mounting stud.
  1. Install control arm pivot bar on frame rail mounting studs. Install pivot bar mounting stud nuts. Torque upper control arm pivot bar mounting nuts to 210 N m (155 ft. lbs.). Install upper ball joint stud into steering knuckle. Install upper ball joint stud, to steering knuckle attaching nut. Torque ball joint stud to steering knuckle nut to 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.). Install upper ball joint attaching nut cotter pin. Align cotter pin hole in attaching nut and ball joint stud only by tightening attaching nut (DO NOT LOOSEN IT).
  2. Install brake rotor on front hub and bearing assembly. Install disc brake caliper on steering knuckle. Align caliper mounting holes with threaded holes in steering knuckle. Install 2 bolts attaching caliper to steering knuckle. Tighten both mounting bolts to 115 N.m (85 ft. lbs.). Align brake hose bracket with hole in steering knuckle. Install hub/bearing assembly attaching bolt. Tighten hub/bearing attaching bolt to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.).
    NOTE: Vehicles equipped with ACR suspension package have special spacers, washers and mounting bolts at lower and upper shock mounts. It is important that they are noted and not lost during removal and installation.
  3. On ACR vehicles, install spacers on each side of lower and upper mounting shock eyes. Install shock absorber/coil spring assembly on vehicle through center of upper control arm. Install shock absorber bushing into mounting bracket on lower control arm. Install shock absorber to bracket bolt. On ACR vehicles, remember to install special washers on both sides of mount before installing bolt. Do not tighten mounting bolt at this time.
  4. Using a pry bar, carefully push down on upper control arm far enough to install top of shock absorber in frame bracket. Install shock absorber to frame bracket bolt. On ACR vehicles, remember to install special washers on both sides of mount before installing bolt. Do not tighten mounting bolt at this time. Install wheel and tire. Tighten wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification.
  5. Then repeat tightening sequence to 122 N m (90 ft. lbs.). Lower vehicle to ground level. Position vehicle on an alignment rack or drive-on hoist. Ballast vehicle to correct design height. Tighten shock absorber upper and lower mounting bolts to 135 N m (100 ft. lbs.).