Hi,

I've got my 2003 mach1 supported on two jack stands (at the pinch welds) allowing me access to work on the front suspension.
I've removed the front passenger control arm, installed the new control arm only at the ball joint, and not tightened yet, wiggle room exists.
I'm jacking up the control arm as close to the two bolts as i can.
I'm not sure how to proceed, i tried different angles and the bolt holes aren't lining up enough for the bolt.
I tried a massive screwdriver but it doesn't do much. Also tried a ratcheting strap secured to the driver control arm but it doesn't do much.Anyone have experience and can share a few tips?
I guess i could buy spring compressors* but not sure it'll compress the spring enough for me to line up the control arm.
Do i need to raise the rear of the vehicle so the car is level?

 

I'd do it the other way around, when I did mine I put the bolts on the back in first, then swung it up to the ball joint. You may need to loosen a few other things to get it to all line up properly though (upper strut bolt or the sway bar end link)

 

I installed the way you mentioned, I was able to get the spring in.

i installed the castlenut until flush, but now it keeps turning without tightening.

I'm not sure how high i can jack up the ball joint which i read is one method.

The other is a crowbar but i couldnt visualize where to place it to put enough tension to stop it from spinning - any suggestions?

 

Isn't there a slot in the top of the ball joint bolt that you can put a hex in or a flat head screw driver? There was on mine, but they were all aftermarket control arms and ball joints

 

Just looked around, I guess a lot don't have a slot in them. You can jack up the ball joint as much as you want, ultimately the weight of the front end will be resting on that point, hook everything back up, jack it up until your suspension is loaded and try again.

 

Thank you everyone, couldn't have done it without you. New passenger control arm and spring are installed successfully.

Onto the drivers side.. i have the two nuts that hold the steering rack to the k member undone so the steering rack can move forward with a crowbar.

I can lift the steering rack a bit but not enough to get the lower control arm bolt out.
In the video, the mechanic indicates you may need to remove the bolt on the steering shaft to steering rack, screenshot #3 below.
Where is this using the screenshot below? is it the reason i don't have clearance on the drivers side?

I removed both outer tie rods but the bolt can't get past the rubber boot on the inner tie rod.

 

That's behind your steering rack and k-member, towards the engine. Basically the rod from your steering wheel to the steering rack.

 

thank you for the quick reply,
Do you think this is why i cant move the rack enough?
Maybe just take off the boot and/or inner tie rod?

 

It will limit how far forward you can move it, I had to when I replaced my k-member. I'd try that first before pulling off your tie rod end, like you said you can easily **** them up trying to pop out the ball joints.

 

unfortunately it didn't help enough and i ripped the boot trying to pull out the bolt.
The steering rack is attached above by the lines it looks like. Not sure how ppl are getting past that.
For my case, i'll order a couple new boots and inner/outer tie rods and tackle that next.