Ezpeezy15 Posted August 26, 2021 Report Share Posted August 26, 2021 Hello again! 2014 SXT, 3.6L, FWD, 137k miles. I attempted to replace both front lower control arms today. I was able to replace the front right one successfully, without any big issues. The aft bolt was tricky to get back installed, but I got it with small delay. HOWEVER... I began to remove the left one, starting with the forward bolt. Luckily, I started with that one because I learned that the bolt will not remove because the transmission is in the way. The only way I can figure to remove it is by jacking up the transmission. I have never done that to any vehicle before. Has anyone experienced the same thing while removing the left lower control arm? I will have to google jacking a transmission. The 2 YT videos on DJ control arm replacement don't help much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezpeezy15 Posted August 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2021 Attached a pic for anyone interested. I ended up tightening it back up and plan on getting back after it this weekend. Summer Solstice 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted August 26, 2021 Report Share Posted August 26, 2021 YUP it's been that way on a LOT of the FCA vehicles going way back to the '80s. It does not have to be jacked up much to get enough clearance to slide the bolt out or in, and the side mount has enough "give" as to not have to disconnect anything to jack it. Watch out for fitting the left control arm going in, sometimes the angle during install makes some prying necessary. I have not done this job on our DJ, but on all of the many minivans and a couple old FWD cars I've had in the past! Ezpeezy15, Summer Solstice and 2late4u 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Some times a taper punch can be good for lining up bushing hole with other subframe hole. Then try fitting bolt back in afterwards. Be nice to the threads at the end. Good luck. Ezpeezy15 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evlmarine Posted September 5, 2021 Report Share Posted September 5, 2021 Make sure to get an alignment right after you do your installation. ? Ezpeezy15 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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