Removal

REAR SUSPENSION

UPPER CONTROL ARM

REMOVAL

NOTE: The rear control arm, control arm bushings, and pivot bar are serviced as a complete assembly on this vehicle. Do not attempt to disassemble the control arm from the pivot bar to service the rear control arm bushings.

(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove both rear wheel and tire assemblies from the vehicle.

Fig.29 Shock Absorber To Knuckle Attaching:

(3) Remove the shock absorber clevis bracket to rear knuckle attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 29) on both sides of the vehicle.

Fig.30 Muffler Support Bracket:

(4) Remove muffler support bracket from rear frame rail (Fig. 30).

Fig.31 Exhaust Pipe Hanger At Rear Suspension Crossmember:

(5) Remove the rear exhaust pipe hanger bracket from the rear suspension crossmember (Fig. 31). Let exhaust system drop down as far as possible.

Fig.32 Speed Sensor Cable Attachment To Control Arm:

(6) If vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, remove routing clips for wheel speed sensor cable from brackets on both upper control arms (Fig. 32).
(7) If vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, remove bolts and wheel speed sensor heads from both rear knuckles.
(8) Remove both rear disc brake calipers from knuckles and hang out of way using wire or cord. Do not allow calipers to hang by brake hoses.
(9) Release brake tubing from clips on top of crossmember.
(10) On the side of the vehicle requiring control arm removal, separate the control arm ball joint from the rear knuckle using following procedure:
(a) Back off nut retaining upper control arm ball joint to knuckle until nut is even with end of stud. This action will help avoid damaging the stud threads when the stud is released from the knuckle in the following step.

Fig.33 Ball Joint Stud Removal From Knuckle:

(b) Remove ball joint stud from knuckle using Puller, Special Tool, CT-1106 (Fig. 33).
(c) Remove nut retaining upper control arm ball joint to knuckle.

Fig.34 Lowering And Supporting Rear Suspension Crossmember:

(11) Position a transmission jack and wooden block under the center of the rear suspension crossmember to support and lower crossmember during removal (Fig. 34).

Fig.35 Crossmember Attachment To Frame Rails:

(12) Remove the 4 bolts (Fig. 35) attaching rear suspension crossmember to rear frame rails.

CAUTION: When lowering rear suspension crossmember do not put a strain on the rear brake flex hoses.

(13) Lower the rear suspension crossmember far enough to access the upper control arm pivot bar to crossmember attaching bolts.

Fig.36 Upper Control Arm Attachment To Crossmember:

(14) Remove the 2 bolts attaching the upper control arm to the rear suspension crossmember (Fig. 36).
(15) Remove the upper control arm from the rear suspension crossmember.
(16) Transfer any required components to the replacement control arm.