Gosh dang LCAs still WILL NOT GO IN

[feerocknok]

UUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

 

Every single time I pull apart a Jeep suspension, it happens. The LCAs will not mount back up. The hole Always gets misaligned.

 

There Must be some simple trick to getting the LCAs back on. Anyone?

[DirtyComanche]

Put the heep on jackstands.

 

 

Then use a bottle jack to move the front axle around.

 

 

And an alignment punch and a BFH once you get things close.

[jeepthing07]

i wedge a piece of 2x4 between the axle and steering linkage for a lever to move it where it needs to be i never had any problems

[CWLONGSHOT]

This can be tricky and a ROYAL PIA!!!

 

One thing I have found thats a godsend is a beefy 2" ratchet strap. I attach it to ANYTHING form the rear axle, another Jeep to the garage floor lip and wall to get the right angle to pull the axle into position. My Hilift has also worked, although not as well....

 

Also, be careful about unscrewing bolts completely. There can be ALOT of force on the CA's. Enough to flatten out the threads on the bolt ruining it!!

 

I am not the best one to give advice on patience as I have NONE for this kind of stuff. BUT, :) :oops: walking away and having a beer or a smoke can calm you down enough to see something you may miss with anger.

 

A long tapered prybar is also helpful as others suggested.

 

Go get yourself a ratchet strap and you'll get it!!

[feerocknok]

So force it into position? I had to take the day off from it. Was ready to smash my new arms on the concrete.

[Oizarod115]

we took my brothers LCA's off and they bolted right back up after a little wiggling?

 

does thsi only happen when you take the whole thign out? or did we get uber lucky?

 

 

we had the axle on a floor jack and the jeep on jack stands when we did it.

[87manche]

are the uppers still connected?

If so, then get yourself a big pipe wrench, put it on the tube, and you can use a jack to lever the axle into position for the lca's./

Easy as pie.

[pingpong]

Well I have done these several times as well. I find it easier to attatch the Lowers first on the axle then the frame.. but just the opposite when doing uppers. Pipe wrench on the axle is by far the easier method.. especiallly if some one else is lining the bolts up for you

[feerocknok]

I'll try the attaching the axle side first tomorrow evening. Thank you all.

[jbhill]

take a hammer and were the ends go in, knock em out a lil. this will spread it since once you tighten it up they squeeze togethere a lil bit.