AudiKev

Whats up fellas?

I'm trying to remove the entire lower control arm on the drivers side 95' 2wd pickup. It is rusted and rotted through and I'm replacing it with one that looks new. Do I need to unbolt and remove the torsion bar for this to happen?

I've already disconnected the swabar, tie rod and etc. assemblies, lower ball joint, the nuts that bolt the torsion bar bracket to the LCA and the big 27mm nut that bolts LCA to the frame. Am I close? Is there something I'm missing or do I need to just remove the torsion bar? Some insight would be greatly appreciated.

Mr. No SPAM

You should be able to disconnect the lower control arm and remove it without having to mess with the torsion spring, which is connected to the top control arm. You just need to get the lower ball joint to separate. Once the top a-arm is down to it's stop everything else will swing down no problem.

I recently installed ball joint spacers in my rig and I was able to swing the hub assembly still connected to the lower control down, top ball joint disconnected, with no trouble. Can't see why the same wouldn't be true with the lower ball joint being the one disconnected, thus leaving the control arm free to swing down and out.

Also, all this is spelled out pretty clearly in factory service manual (FSM), which you can easily find and download a .pdf copy of. I'd look at that if you still have any questions.

AudiKev

I've looked at the FSM. Check out this page because this is what I've been looking at: http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/suspensionandaxle/7frontsus.pdf

It looks like the LCA pivot bolt that goes through the frame comes out towards the Torsion bar, no? If that's the case then the Torsion bar needs to removed for the pivot bolt to come through??? This is where I'm confused/stuck.

I'm replacing LCA assemblies and upper A arms on both sides. Also installing all new upper and lower ball joints with upper bj spacers along with almost everything else IFS related. I've done a lot of research on this site and have gotten this far. Nudge me along

AudiKev

[QUOTE=Mr. No SPAM;52264570]You should be able to disconnect the lower control arm and remove it without having to mess with the torsion spring, which is connected to the top control arm. /QUOTE]

Torsion spring is def connected to the Lower control arm on my truck (1995 2wd Pickup 22re)

Mr. No SPAM

Ah, that makes a difference! Didn't notice the mention of 2WD . . . .

Never took a 2WD front end apart, but looking at the parts diagram you supplied the link to, and my '82 2WD's front end, I'd say you will have to remove the torsion spring and torque arm to get the bolt out. It looks like you have to release tension to get the bolt out no matter, and it looks like the bolt won't go forward through the bushing, etc.

This is where I'd hit the book to see exactly what's up with the procedure.

AudiKev

Thanks for clearing it up. I wish I got new upgraded torsions now.

Installed new A arms from TAP in Cali with new ball joints, spacers and A arm braces. It's AMAZING how clean vehicles are in California. Like blows my mind!

bswarm

So, you put ball joint spacers in for lift? Are you lifting the rear also?

AudiKev

Yes, I added the spacers for lift. Right now I'm focusing on the front. I do plan on addressing the rear with new shocks and some sort of lift. Either shackles or AAL. I'm open to suggestions

bswarm

I put heavy duty shackles on mine to get rid of rear sag with a shell, it added about 1 1/2 inches. Don't get the cheap one if you go that route, get the braced ones. I also put Gas-a-Just all around, very stiff but corners great.

AudiKev

I got Bilstein HD's for the front and plan on matching them in the rear. Where did you get the HD Shackels?

bswarm

I really don't remember, it was long ago. I had to special order them from a local shop that installs suspension lifts. They were thicker gauge, longer than stock, and braced so they wouldn't flex like the cheap ones.

Mr. No SPAM

Dang, those rotors are toasty toast!

Be nice of those HD shackles have greaseable pins.