small how to
the easiest way I have found to remove the upper or lower A arm is to follow this guide to remove the diff. (not my guide, and not my pics but jusy an easy wany to get to diffs and what not)
First take off the plastic clips that hold the bumper bars in the bulkhead.
I have a pair of needlenose pliers between the 2 shocks to pull the clips.
Clip removed.
Pull the bumper out of the holes.
Next remove the 2 screws on the bottom that are closest to the bumper.
These screws go into the diff case as well.
Now you can access the front screws in the diff case.
2 above the upper hinge pins.
And 2 below the alum brace that the upper hinge pins go thru.
If you are doing the rear - the turnbuckles need to be removed first.
I have a worn one and just put a washer to hold the plastic end on.
Order some turnbuckle ends. P/N # 85050 - comes with 4 on a tree and a whole bunch of other parts for $6
The turnbuckle ends WILL stretch out after a good crash or cartwheels!!!
This is a weak link and I like it that way.
Here's the turnbuckle ball end with the washer to hold on the worn end (arrow)
And the diff shims that should have come in the parts bags with the truck. (circle)
Diff case screw locations.
*note at this point you can remove those lower pins and replace the Arm, but I found it easier to expose the diff that way you can work in there a bit easier.
Case removed
Diff W/out half
At this point I remove the shock from the lower arm If that is what you are replacing.
Now you easily see the hinge pins that hold in the upper and lower arms, remove the pin that is holding the broken arm in and just detach the side of the arm that connects to where the wheels are.
Then put your new arm in and reattach everything. Doing it this way I can change an arm in just a few minutes. Reattach the shock last it can be a real pain trying to line up hinge pin hole and what not if you don't.
