Removing Upper Control Arm

[kdm101]

I'm trying to remove the upper control arm on my Silverado to replace it. I can not figure out how to get the one bolt to slip around the spring. I've tried it at full droop and with a jack under it simulating it being on the ground.

 

Anyone got some ideas I can try? I sure would appreciate them.

[Westlotorn]

If you are replacing the upper control arm the spring must come out or at least have the tension released. Use an internal or external spring compressor to collapse the spring. Be careful they hold a lot of pressure.

[Matt_]

Don't even need a spring compressor... just take the coil body completely off the truck. With the upper balljoint disconnected it's a breeze; just take the two lower mounting bolts and three upper mount bolts off and remove it.

 

Lesson #1: Trying to save some time by not doing a job properly usually results in spending more time. 10 minutes to R&R the coil body is well spent in this case

[az'03Silverado]

It looks like he's got a '99 Silvy. They don't have coil bodies. They have a separate shock and spring.

[Matt_]

It looks like he's got a '99 Silvy. They don't have coil bodies. They have a separate shock and spring.

 

ugh, im so used to everyone having GMT900s and complaining about the upper balljoints... i didnt even bother looking at what truck he has.

 

My bad

 

 

You still probably don't need a spring compressor... if he disconnects the upper balljoint, shock and sway bar, the LCA should drop enough to take the coil spring out. (i could be wrong, its been a looooong time since I messed with a 2wd GMT800; but most coil sprung vehicles don't require the spring to be compressed for R&R)

[kdm101]

You still probably don't need a spring compressor... if he disconnects the upper balljoint, shock and sway bar, the LCA should drop enough to take the coil spring out. (i could be wrong, its been a looooong time since I messed with a 2wd GMT800; but most coil sprung vehicles don't require the spring to be compressed for R&R)

 

No prob...

 

The suggestion helped though. When I was trying earlier, I hadn't popped the ball joint yet (was having some trouble with it), but my second go-round with the puller finally resulted in a nice pop. I couldn't drop the LCA enough to remove the spring (that kinda scares me a bit because I remember doing that on my El Camino --- not possible to put back in without compressing somewhat). Anyway, UCA is now out, but the heat/humidity out there is making work really uncomfortable. Once the sun sets enough behind the house to shade the driveway, I'll go back out and finish it up.

 

I've been real fortunate on the ball joints on this truck so far (upper replaced on each side once) but I'm now going on my 4th set of tie rods! My front tires are shot so once I get this and an alignment done, I've gotta get them replaced too. Maybe it's time to rename this thing money pit. Oh wait... I already gave that name to my El Camino!

 

 

Thanks guys.

[Matt_]

With the spring in place (and locked down with the spring clamp that should be on the LCA) you compress the spring with a floor jack under the LCA until you can reconnect the UCA to the spindle.

 

The humidity out there sucks today!!!!!!!!

[jblakeney]

When I did the front end on my truck I removed the springs with a floor Jack.... I put the front end of the frame on Jack stands. Removed the tire. Disconnected the ABS and hung the calipers out of the way. Loosen the balljoint nuts... strike with 4lb hammer to loosen the hold of the joint. Remove the shock. Place floor Jack beneath the lower arm. Stand to the side, invt out not hurt to tire a rope on the spring and to the frame. Now Jack the floor Jack up and remove the knuckle. Lower the Jack SLOW SLOWLY!!!!! Remember nit to stand in froth of the spring and Jack..... spring should be loose now. Remember when placing the truck on the Jack stands the will need to be at the highest position.

 

Or simply get a inner spring compressor from OTC the one that has the 4 plates for different spring sizes. I don't remember the #. It works grea. I will run by my shop and get the part number...

 

Jbo

 

COIL SPINGS HAVE HELD TENSIONS ENOUGH TO KILL YOU IF IMPROPERLY RELEASED WRONG. If you are not comfortable doing the DON'T. Also the is not a project to involve alcohol.