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    Quick Links: Lift Problem Sway Bar End Links All Pro? Stainless steel uni-ball for TC UCA 05+ Tacoma What lift will be best for my use? Sagging Suspension Bilstein 5125 vs B110

Upper control arm help please!

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by adamv22, Jun 4, 2011.

  1. Jun 4, 2011 at 10:00 PM
    #1
    adamv22

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    adamv22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Im putting a small lift on my 06 tacoma, and ive been fighting for a day and a half on how to disconnect the upper control arm from the ball joint. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!!
     
    adamv22, Jun 4, 2011
    #1
  2. Jun 5, 2011 at 5:56 AM
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    jmdaniel

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    jmdaniel Has A Well Known Member

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    Two words: Pickle fork.
     
    jmdaniel, Jun 5, 2011
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  3. Jun 5, 2011 at 8:59 AM
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    N3ZAT

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    N3ZAT Well-Known Member

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    wack it wit hammer
     
    N3ZAT, Jun 5, 2011
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  4. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:02 AM
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    jberry813

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    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    ...too much shit to list.
    Unless you are replacing the UCA, there's no need.

    Why are you trying to disconnect it :notsure:
     
    jberry813, Jun 5, 2011
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  5. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:06 AM
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    bjmoose

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    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    Wait - why are you trying to disconnect the UCA from the ball joint? That bad boy is pressed in there.

    I think *MAYBE* what you mean is that you want to disconnect the ball joint from the spindle. In that case, you can use a pickle fork - but they're mostly designed to separate the ball joint when it's going to be replaced. Since you plant to reuse it, you may want to use a ball joint puller instead.

    Some guys have success with a BFH (Big effin' Hammer) - if you do that, leave the castle nut over the end of the ball joint so you're not whacking on the threads.
     
    bjmoose, Jun 5, 2011
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  6. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:08 AM
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    bjmoose

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    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    Also - the alternative method for replacing the struts is removing the tie-rod end, instead of disconnecting the ball joint.

    Again, you may want to use a puller.
     
    bjmoose, Jun 5, 2011
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  7. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:13 AM
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    jberry813

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    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    If all you ar doing is isntalling a lift, then just remove the two bolts on the bottom of the lower ball joint. (17 or 19mm if i remember correclty). Once you remove thoes you can move the entire spindle out of the way and pull out the shock/spring assembly.

    No need for disconnecting any ball joints, no pickle fork, no bullshit. Easy peasy.
     
    jberry813, Jun 5, 2011
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  8. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:31 AM
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    stunt man hans

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    stunt man hans DISPLACED VIKING LIVING IN WYOMING

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    i wish i could offer help here. i'm about to under take this shit job next week some time. installing a lift and going with the light racing uca's. snap some pics during your removal man.
     
    stunt man hans, Jun 5, 2011
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  9. Jun 5, 2011 at 9:49 AM
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    Andrew H

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    Andrew H What is this "search" you speak of?

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    If you're just going to replace the UCAs then all you have to do is take the pin and nut off from the bottom of the ball joint and smack it off the UCA with a hammer or a pickle fork.

    But loosen the main bolt of the UCA first and take off the bracket holding the lines onto the UCA.
     
    Andrew H, Jun 5, 2011
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  10. Jun 5, 2011 at 11:09 AM
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    adamv22

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    adamv22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks to everybody that had some input it all helped i got the pickle fork and that got the tie rod end disconnected.. i found another option, if i remove the sway bar, i almost have enough room to slide the bottom end of the shock into place after the top 3 bolts are lined up, but now i need about one more inch before itll be in place.. FML
     
    adamv22, Jun 5, 2011
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  11. Jun 5, 2011 at 11:12 AM
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    goomba

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    goomba It is a Fluid Situation

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    You can always disconnect the lower ball joint from the spindle with the 2 bolts. Then get a cranking strap to bring the upper control arm down when you get the shock in. Had to do this for my dads truck....
     
    goomba, Jun 5, 2011
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  12. Jun 5, 2011 at 11:14 AM
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    adamv22

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    adamv22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thats the two bolts outside of the larger bold on the bottom correct?
     
    adamv22, Jun 5, 2011
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  13. Jun 5, 2011 at 11:19 AM
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    jberry813

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    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    Need an inch...use your bottle jack. Works every time:

    [​IMG]
     
    jberry813, Jun 5, 2011
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  14. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:32 PM
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    adamv22

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    adamv22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    5 Hours and a smashed finger later, im done. thanks guys ill get some pics up sometime soon
     
    adamv22, Jun 5, 2011
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  15. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:38 PM
    #15
    Texoma

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    Bad advice from every one. Next time use a ball joint seperator. Picklefork you have a possibility of damaging the boot, and whacking it with anything you'll surely damage somthing.
     
    Texoma, Jun 5, 2011
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  16. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:48 PM
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    jberry813

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    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    Everyone eh? You must not have read everyone's post then.
     
    jberry813, Jun 5, 2011
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  17. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:51 PM
    #17
    Texoma

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    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

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    I have ADDHDHDHD
     
    Texoma, Jun 5, 2011
    #17
  18. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:53 PM
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    jberry813

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    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    ...too much shit to list.
    Perhaps you should unplug your keyboard then.
     
    jberry813, Jun 5, 2011
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  19. Jun 5, 2011 at 4:56 PM
    #19
    Texoma

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    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

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    That would require disassembly of the lap top and with my expirience in that kind of disassembly it will open up a rift it the time contimuim.
     
    Texoma, Jun 5, 2011
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