installing front a-arms

[WhtSuperStang]

i have a general idea on how its done, anyone here do it that can give a how to? I read some on svtp but wanted more knowledge before tearing into it.

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[Maniak]

im going to have chad help me out with this.

go to maximum motorsports. they have an installation write up on how to install front lower control arms. i'd give u a dirrect link but their site wont let me.

 

[Bigturbonotch]

really easy,

jack car up
remove brakes(rotor and caliper)
remove spring
unbolt control arm along with spindle attached.

really not hard, do you have any specific questions on it? shouldnt take you more than a hour or two.

 

[Maniak]

just gotta make sure u have a jack under the control arm when u take the springs out so they dont fly out.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

really easy,

jack car up
remove brakes(rotor and caliper)
remove spring
unbolt control arm along with spindle attached.

really not hard, do you have any specific questions on it? shouldnt take you more than a hour or two.

Like i have replaced shocks and springs on these cars before but have never ventured into this project

yea i guess my question is on skill level to perform this. what kinda tools should i use, should thread locker be used on the bolts

Ive heard you need to move the steering rack to remove one of the bolts...is that true

how hard is it to swap over the spindle stuff to the new a-arm?


THanks for the posts guys!!

 

[mustangmike2003]

Like i have replaced shocks and springs on these cars before but have never ventured into this project

yea i guess my question is on skill level to perform this. what kinda tools should i use, should thread locker be used on the bolts

Ive heard you need to move the steering rack to remove one of the bolts...is that true

how hard is it to swap over the spindle stuff to the new a-arm?


THanks for the posts guys!!

Its easy, take the nut off the tie rod and the ball joint while the spindle is still on the car and hit the spindle with a hammer where they are going through to get it off. Don't hit the top of the of ball joint or tie rod with the hammer because you will mess up the threads.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

Its easy, take the nut off the tie rod and the ball joint while the spindle is still on the car and hit the spindle with a hammer where they are going through to get it off. Don't hit the top of the of ball joint or tie rod with the hammer because you will mess up the threads.

how is the re-installation what kinda torque specs do i need? should i use lock tight on the bolts?

 

[mustangmike2003]

how is the re-installation what kinda torque specs do i need? should i use lock tight on the bolts?

I dont really use a torque wrench on mine. I just use a half inch ratchet. I never used locktite. On the tie rod you can put a cotter pin through it just incase it loosens but I don't. I can usually get about 150ft lbs through my half inch ratchet...I just muscle the bolts that go through the a arms and the k member down as tight as I can get them.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

what kinda tools am i going to need for something like this?

 

[Fast99Snake]

dude
if you've done springs before this is like 2 more steps
loosen steering rack bolts(2) then remove the bolts that hold the lca's to the K member(2 per side)

piece of cake

 

[WhtSuperStang]

dude
if you've done springs before this is like 2 more steps
loosen steering rack bolts(2) then remove the bolts that hold the lca's to the K member(2 per side)

piece of cake

im sure im over thinking this like no other, but its still something new and i want to be prepared thats all

 

[Maniak]

im sure im over thinking this like no other, but its still something new and i want to be prepared thats all

chris. im doing this today. when i am finished, i will write up a how to. :biggthump

 

[WhtSuperStang]

chris. im doing this today. when i am finished, i will write up a how to. :biggthump

Cool, i have gathered a lot of information and read my Ford Service Manual I have, im just over cautious when i do anything, just to help ensure success! lol But i would like to see the write up for sure.


My 03 a-arms should be here today and hopefully sometime this week my H&R race springs and MM sway bar endlinks

 

[WhtSuperStang]

one last question on this. Could this be done with hand tools? My impact is on the fritz so thats a no go.

I know i could get the front springs in and the rears possibly without the impact but im worried about the a-arms...

 

[Maniak]

one last question on this. Could this be done with hand tools? My impact is on the fritz so thats a no go.

I know i could get the front springs in and the rears possibly without the impact but im worried about the a-arms...

it will work but it will be tough. just make sure u have a big pipe extension for the breaker bar.

 

[qwik01cobra]

I didnt use an impact gun on Zachs car (maniak) to get the A-arms off

 

[WhtSuperStang]

I didnt use an impact gun on Zachs car (maniak) to get the A-arms off

i couldnt get shit done, i tried getting the bolts off by hand but that one I told you about wouldnt budge to save its life and im not going to strip the piss outa it.

what are you up to thursday? possibly saturday morning?

 

[Maniak]

i couldnt get shit done, i tried getting the bolts off by hand but that one I told you about wouldnt budge to save its life and im not going to strip the piss outa it.

what are you up to thursday? possibly saturday morning?

hit it with some PB blaster. let it sit, then try again. use a pipe on the end of the wrench.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

hit it with some PB blaster. let it sit, then try again. use a pipe on the end of the wrench.

tried all that...didnt budge a bit! o well ill try again on sunday i have to go to school now. on f*ckin bolt prevented me from this damn project...