installing lower control arm--HELP

[chronos]

Really having problems here
How do you line up the hole on the control arm shaft
and get the 'pin' to go in it???
Seems next to impossible been at it for couple hours

I'm trying to do it with the spring in and lining up the holes
then jacking up the LCA to tighten the u-bolts
Any tips

1986 1/2 ton 2WD

[overthepond]

Just done mine and its a doddle..easier with the spring out,not even sure it can be done with it in..?
Attach the u bolts first but dont tighten them right up,then rotate the shaft so its close to being home then using a floor jack take the arm up flush then do up the u bolts...

[jaredts]

Got a spring compressor?

[80stepsideguy]

I did mine w.o a engine in it. I put like 3 80 lb bags of concrete on top of the frame by the control arms.Make sure your spring is seated properly ,take a block of wood on a floor jack and put it by the end of the control arm, keep jacking it up till its high enough for you to get the threads of the spindle thru the eye hole to get your castle nut on and tightened and cotter pin installed and your all done.

thanks
pat

It is so much easier if your engine is still in for weight

[g2bird]

I just did mine this weekend without the spindle or spring and it wasn't an easy one person job.  I have a manual, Haynes maybe, and it says to use a spring compressor when changing the springs but it did say to leave the spindle attached and undo the ubolts in order to change it out.  You can "rent" spring compressors from most major parts stores, Autozone, O'Reilly etc...  I would think that would be the best approach.

[chronos]

Got it done after lots of fiddling
Had do put it on without the spring in
then put the spring back in after
Almost done the front end then brakes and
back on the road !

Thanks

[ms4972]

I have done this install by myself and another time with help.  Let me tell you, it is definately a 2 man job.  Took 5 minutes when I had help.  Safe yourself the aggravation and get one of your buddies to lend a hand.