Installation - Lower Control Arm

NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure, (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT - WARNING) .

Position the lower control arm into the crossmember. See Figure. Install, but do not fully tighten, the rear pivot bolt attaching the lower control arm to the front suspension crossmember and frame rail. Install the front pivot bolt attaching the lower control arm to the front suspension crossmember.
Tighten the lower control arm rear pivot (and suspension crossmember) bolt to a torque of 237 N.m (175 ft. lbs.), then tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolt to a torque of 163 N.m (120 ft. lbs.).
Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
If the right lower control arm has been serviced, perform the following:
- Install the engine torque strut and mounting bolts. See Figure. To properly align and tighten the torque strut, (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/TORQUE STRUT - ADJUSTMENTS) or (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/TORQUE STRUT - ADJUSTMENTS) .
- Install the washer on the end of the stud extending from the torque strut bolt. See Figure.
- Install the pencil strut to the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle. See Figure. Tighten the pencil strut nuts to a torque of 58 N.m (43 ft. lbs.).
- Install the drive-belt splash shield and fasteners.
Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and nut. See Figure. Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.).
Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar into mounting position.
Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehicle. See Figure. Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar, inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the upper retainer/nut and bushing. See Figure. Do not fully tighten the link assemblies at this time.
Lower the vehicle to ground level.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at curb height.
Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 31 N.m (275 in. lbs.).
If previously loosened, tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer bolts to a torque of 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.).