Lower Control Arms Installed *Pics*

05BlackPony · 07-19-2006, 12:24 AM

After alot of talk and research about LCA's, I went and purchased the CHE Tubular LCA's.
I decided to go with them because they are the only manufacturer that includes a bracket for the parking cable.

Lets begin!

First thing is to jack up the car under the notches in the side skirt. Place jack stands adjacent to the jack.
Once the car is on stands, jack the under the rear diff. on the flat section only a little to keep the axle stable.

Next remove the parking brake cable from the caliper by sliding off a pin keeping the cable in place.
Manuver the cable out of the pivot arm groove and slide the cable out of the factory LCA's.

...Here comes the fun [sm=alcoholic.gif]

I have to say first that if anyone is interested in doing this, a pneumatic wrench/ratchet is very helpful.

I suggest WD-40-ing the axle bolts and front chassis bolts to penetrate as much as possible.
First remove the axle bolt. *May need a couple hits with a hammer

The attempt to remove the chassis bolt with a 3/4 wrench came to no avail. Will not budge lol

-(I was getting worried that a rebolt, and quick trip down to NAPA for the install was in my future...I told my dad this and he goes[sm=bs.gif]
Soo.. after a 45 min war with the bolt.. a vise-grip, hammer and spark plug wrench succeeded lol.

Remove the heavy factoy LCA, lube the same contact points with supplied grease, lube new LCA's.
Replace with steps backwards; chassis bolt first, then axle bolt, lay parking cable in the retainers on the LCA, re-install parking brake.

..Now the next side lol..
In all, I would have to say that I would never want to do this again! lol
Did it improve any? Can't say for sure yet, maybe once I drive it more I'll notice more. (Get on the highway

)
Oh, any if any one is wondering.. the silver LCA's cost $10 and a week later to receive.

Any questions? Just ask!

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Jeremy · 07-19-2006, 12:25 AM

Sounded like you had a fun time.

rygenstormlocke · 07-19-2006, 12:28 AM

Excellent write up man, this should be a sticky!!!!!

blackfoot · 07-19-2006, 12:30 AM

thats the nicest garage floor ive ever seen.... lol im ashamed of my garage floor lol

blackfoot · 07-19-2006, 12:32 AM

lol but then i again, i tend to go over bored and when i jack my car,its baout 2-3ft off the ground with my big jack stands:P,if not i use my manitou zoom boom forklift :P

05BlackPony · 07-19-2006, 12:50 AM

lol!!

Thanks everyone.

Ya.. I had a blast [:'(] lol

Ever since I saw Flapjack's DTT install, it was very informative and I'd like to try and do the same.

Garage floor.. Rusoleum Epoxy Garage Coating.. (flaking now, its the first version. They came out with a non water based now)

Thanks again!

hamidlmt · 07-19-2006, 12:55 AM

Excellent account of your experience! Nice job! Looking forward to your thoughts on their performance.

05BlackPony · 07-20-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: hamidlmt

Excellent account of your experience! Nice job! Looking forward to your thoughts on their performance.

Thanks Hamid!
Will definately give any updates on improvement notice (or problems [

]) along the way.

Puerto Rico 4.6 · 07-20-2006, 06:51 PM

Great write up. Luckily when i did mine i had a lift and air tools available ..took me and my friend 1o minutes tops. The nose of the car will rise more when accelarating hard ..this keeps the tires planted to the ground..more traction..better weight transfer. You will be very happy with ur che's.

hataap · 07-20-2006, 07:21 PM

awesome write up. let us all know how they work out for ya