dante2 Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 I am doing the 4wd swap and have run into an issue with the front axle. Axle is in except for the pass side upper control arm. I can't get that last bolt to line up. It needs to move back about a 1/2 inch to get the bolt in. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 I am doing the 4wd swap and have run into an issue with the front axle. Axle is in except for the pass side upper control arm. I can't get that last bolt to line up. It needs to move back about a 1/2 inch to get the bolt in. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? Hard to say if you are doing anything wrong without more information but make sure you don't tighten any other bolts until they are all in. If you do, it will bind and be almost impossible to get the last bolt in. I would also recommend installing both uppers and then move to the lowers. The uppers are harder to access so do this first and the lowers will be much easier. It takes a lot of wiggling but it will all come together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2 Posted June 20, 2017 Author Share Posted June 20, 2017 So you think I should pull the lower bolts out to get the other upper in then go after the lowers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skorpyo Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Best trick I know of is to bolt in the lowers loosely, then use a floor jack to raise and lower each side individually until you get the holes "close" to lining up for the uppers. You'll typically get one side of the arm lined up and you can start the bolt in, but the other side will be misaligned. Take a punch (or a screwdriver to help square the holes up, then hammer in the bolt on the other side. Be sure to use a deadblow or a softer hammer to drive them in so you don't screw up the head. Sometimes as you get it close to the other side using an impact or air ratchet will be useful to thread it through. You'd be surprised how much you might have to raise one side to get it to line up, just keep working it. Oh, and don't tighten them down when it's jacked up, or in an odd position, leave everything loose until you get it all hooked up. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 I put a big pipe wrench on the axle, then use a jack on the end of the handle to rotate the axle. It hasn't failed me yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2 Posted June 20, 2017 Author Share Posted June 20, 2017 shelbyluvv you won the internet today! I have been fighting with that axle for several hours and your trick took about 25 minutes. Had to fiddle with getting the jack set right but after that it was lift up or down to get the bolts in. Thank you very much huge help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 I just use a ratchet strap to the trans crossmember or to the tow hooks, depending which way it needs to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tj1 Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 X2 on the ratchet strap. Worked every time I've pulled the axle or installed new parts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 I just use a ratchet strap to the trans crossmember or to the tow hooks, depending which way it needs to go.This Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownBetty85 Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 I just use a ratchet strap to the trans crossmember or to the tow hooks, depending which way it needs to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownBetty85 Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 I just use a ratchet strap to the trans crossmember or to the tow hooks, depending which way it needs to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownBetty85 Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 ....and another vote for the ratchet strap method. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2 Posted June 23, 2017 Author Share Posted June 23, 2017 Thanks for all of the tips guys. Waiting on a M12x1.75 castle nut for the tie rod to finish this up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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