Front Control Arms Installation Question (1 Viewer)

[Hunyuk]

Hey all, newbie question...I'm at the point in my lift installation where I am trying to install my Slee front control arms. Per the instructions:

Once the arms are removed, you can install the newly supplied arms. The passenger side arm has the cutout between the two front bushings. Install the arms by installing the front two bolts first and then install the rear bolt by rotating and/or pulling the axle forward. Once the arms are installed torque the bolts to spec.

So, I have the front two bolts in on both sides...the problem is that the axle has shifted way too far forward to get the rear bolts in. The instructions say to rotate/pull the axle forward...but I literally need to move it back like 4 inches. How am I supposed to do that when it's sitting completely weighted on the tires? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[landtank]

holy s***, you aren't getting under the truck are you! It looks like the only thing keeping the axle under it is the sway bar.

You should have the frame sitting on 12ton jack stands and the front axle hanging freely with the tires off of it.

 

[IronCladLou]

I haven't installed these particular arms, but when replacing bushings, etc. and running into this situation, I have had to use a ratchet strap and sometimes a come-along to pull things into alignment.

 

[IronCladLou]

...and yeah, don't do this with the thing sitting on the tires!!

 

[Hunyuk]

Per the instructions, it actually had me pull the jackstands just two steps earlier:

Step 15: - Remount wheels Mount the wheels, torque the lug nuts and remove the jack stands.

So I should get it back on the stands?

 

[CruiseOrlando]

I never thought about it before because every time I've done this, I've put a strap (or three) on the axle and kept it from shifting around on me...

I think the bushing installation instructions tell you to do this IIRC... but this is a different set of instructions (obviously).

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Correction: first point in step 16:

Place a ratchet strap through your front tow points and around the axle on each side. Tighten them until snug. This will stop the axle from moving.

 

[landtank]

Absolutely! Get the frame back up on stands and then remove the tires so the axle will hang. At that point you might actually have to push the axle forward to get those frame bolts in.

 

[Hunyuk]

I actually did have the straps on the axle, through the front tow hooks. Apparently they should have remained on through the process?

 

[retrofive]

I actually did have the straps on the axle, through the front tow hooks. Apparently they should have remained on through the process?

That is how I've done it. Well not using the tow hooks, just strapped the axles together and didn't remove until all the bolts lined up and where in.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Done it a few times with ratchet straps, just blocked the wheels and putting on the ebrake, no worries.

 

[Hunyuk]

It's back on jack stands, front wheels off. It's still about 2" or so too far forward. Looks like I need to rig up the ratchet strap to try and pull it back. I'm still somewhat confused by the instructions...the straps snugged around the axle and through the tow points was pulling my axle forward, but I clearly need it pulled back.

 

[retrofive]

Just strap front axle to rear axle no?

 

[Hunyuk]

Yep going to try that and see where I get.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

It's back on jack stands, front wheels off. It's still about 2" or so too far forward. Looks like I need to rig up the ratchet strap to try and pull it back. I'm still somewhat confused by the instructions...the straps snugged around the axle and through the tow points was pulling my axle forward, but I clearly need it pulled back.

Could it be your 4WD is binding keeping your axle from moving. Im part time and to move the front axle forward and reverse required little effort.

 

[Hunyuk]

Once I got the ratchet strap on both axles it popped back...progress. Now I need to get it back on the front through the tow points and ease it forward maybe half an inch...almost there. Thanks!

 

[retrofive]

Ya, It can be a bit a of pain. I didn't know about the strap trick my first go around and took a lot of finessing to get everything lined up. Even knowing the strap trick took some effort when I installed my CC plates to get everything lined up.

 

[Hunyuk]

Woohoo! Ordeal is over...a little fine tuning with the ratchet strap on both sides and both frame bolts are in! Sorry for the scare on the initial setup...I was just following instructions...but I knew something just wasn't right...I am not sure how the hell I would have ever done this with wheels/tires on and fully loaded.

Thanks for all the suggestions, truly appreciated!! Now to see if I can finish this thing.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Sorry for the confusion. We will change the instructions. We also have to update the instructions for the new arms. You should mount the wheels, but leave the jack stands. That way the truck is still supported but you can push the axle forwards and backwards. Jack Stands only need to be removed after the arms are back in.

 

[landtank]

glad you got it done.