Front suspension components?

[wadespencer99]

I just ordered two new control arms for mine to install during the suspension overhaul. I know the ball joints are shot, and at 97,000 I'm sure the bushings need to be replaced too.

Now what is the trick for getting that front bolt out of the driver's side?

[B3NN3TT]

Originally Posted by wadespencer99

Now what is the trick for getting that front bolt out of the driver's side?

Ya gotta raise the motor or drop the subframe.

Or just saw the head off it...

[wadespencer99]

See....I was hoping there was some awesome trick I hadn't thought of....

Dammit Andy

[Drewmanfu0]

I paid $56 each a while back for the 2 bolt arms, Bat has the best price on the 4 bolt. I found the best way the get the DS bolt out was to pull the front and rear mount bolts and the front and rear frame bolts and pry down a little and the bolt came right out. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND PUTTING THE BOLT IN BACKWARDS FROM THE BOTTOM, for obvious reasons of course.

[gamiller]

^^^ Which bolts, Drew? The front and rear roll restrictor bolts? What else?

[wadespencer99]

I pulled the front restrictor nuts off, the four bolts that hold the rad to the subframe (supporting the rad from the top with radio DIN tools), and ending pulling all four subframe bolts. Pry down a bit, and it comes right up out.

[gamiller]

[gamiller]

Well, with the turbo installed, I could not reach the motor mount on the tranny, so my only option was to drop the subframe completely. Not too bad. Didn't need to disconnect the PS lines either. If you get a "spinning subframe bolt" see my forthcoming how-to for the recovery procedure.

Now, regarding the original question, it is odd, isn't it, that nobody replaces the bushes on the control arms when the Ford Service Manual CD details the procedure for doing it!