Replacing upper control (A) arms and shock

[Brent Whitfield]

First off I will say this is something that if you are handy, you should be able to tackle. Took about 2 hrs for the drivers side then about 1 hr for the passenger side. Passenger side isn't any easier just figured out how to do it. This first picture is just showing the big screws that can be difficult to take off. I will say this is pretty straight forward just removing some bolts and swapping out parts. You can do this without removing brake lines. 2nd photo is after the fact. Bilsteins look pretty good. Ride is a lot smoother and these are the shocks with the extra 2 inches because I did the torsion bar lift in the front.

 

[Ghostbuster]

Looking good.

Welcome to the forum.

What other upgrades/mods do you have in the works?

 

[cbetts]

Looks great! I recently did the same. I figured that since everything was apart, might as well do the wheel bearings and loew ball joints as well.

I didn't have enough confidence doing it mystlf and had my shop do the heavy lifting though.

 

[Brent Whitfield]

Ghostbuster next mods are gonna be front bull bar, nerf bars, winch, and try to figure out how to do the roof marker lights package

 

[digglesworth]

I strongly advise against nerf bars.... If you plan to wheel it, which seems like you do since you want a winch, you're gonna catch those damn things on everything. I've had to help pull bent nerf bars off a tire several times. It involved a tow strap and gently pulling on the bar to bend it back into position... nerf bars really are a hindrance off road and provide zero protection... Check out "rock sliders". There's a few options out there for us.

 

[Ghostbuster]

Sorry if this is a stupid question... but why do people replace the upper control arm? Do the joints wear out and you have to just replace the whole thing or what?

 

[Hayden]

Sorry if this is a stupid question... but why do people replace the upper control arm? Do the joints wear out and you have to just replace the whole thing or what?

The upper ball joint isnt removable so you have to replace the whole thing instead of just the ball joint. Kinda a pita

 

[derian06]

I have a tear on the joint that connects the UCA to the spindle, is that a big deal or no?

 

[Hayden]

I have a tear on the joint that connects the UCA to the spindle, is that a big deal or no?

Thats your upper ball joint. Mines torn too. I can cause your alignment to be out, probably ok for now but you'll need to replace it eventually

 

[derian06]

Thats your upper ball joint. Mines torn too. I can cause your alignment to be out, probably ok for now but you'll need to replace it eventually

Could I just wipe some silicone on there to patch it or would that be a bad idea?

 

[Hayden]

Could I just wipe some silicone on there to patch it or would that be a bad idea?

I mean im sure you could but itd be like doing it to a cv boot. Once dirt gets in there damage will eventually happen