I'm replacing the rotted out lower control arms on my 2000 Expy. The right side is finished.
Can a member please explain how to remove the lower left front bolt without cutting off the head? From the looks of it, it appears that is what needs to be done. The gas tank doesn't allow for the bolt to be removed. It's almost as if the control arm was installed and then the tank. And if that's the case, would a member happen to know the size of the bolt?
Thank you,
Brimis

 

You either move the gas tank out of the way, or you cut the head and install a new bolt, but in the other direction this time.

 

I located the Grade 10.9 16mm x 90mm bolt at a tool shop. I wanted to have the replacement bolt in hand before cutting.
As always,
Thank you,
Brimis

 

I know it kind of stinks, but cutting the head off is definitely the easier way to go.

 

DO you have an Ace Hardware...IDK, if it matters much but I would be looking for grade 8. ACE typically has a great bolt selection. In Vegas we have a McFadden-Dale's and that place has any individual item a human could need.

 

Grade 8 is not strong enough. The original bolt is a grade 10.9 bolt.

 

I finished the job today. A quality 18 TPI blade is necessary to make the cut easy. I ripped right through the original grade 10.9 bolt in two minutes.
I'll post a few pictures of the rotted out control arms.
As always,
Thank you,
Brimis

 

Yeah a dull blade on a grade 10.9 bolt would've left you screaming and pulling your hair out. LOL

 

The left snapped and the right was about to snap.
http://s145.photobucket.com/user/bri...F1309.jpg.html
http://s145.photobucket.com/user/bri...F1312.jpg.html
As always,
Thank you

 

Those of yours look just like the ones I replaced on mine. But it's not a material design flaw...nope...nada...just ask Ford.

 

Thanks for the specification. I will be doing mine on Wednesday. I have read many reports of struggles cutting this bolt, after a trip to Home Depot I won't have that worry.

 

Before I started cutting I had new bolt in hand which I located at a local tool shop.
I did the right side first which took about 45 minutes.
The left side calls for a quality blade, I used a Morse 18 TPI and cut at a slower speed to avoid heat. I actually cut through the grade 10.9 bolt in about 2 minutes.
I used a 1/2 drive ratchet, 24 mm and 21 mm socket, cheater pipe for leverage and thread-lock.

 

I remember those days well, but in the here and now...air tools are my friend!

 

Great idea for a Christmas present.

 

I ordered a set of arms from PMT Fabrication on Thursday and the kit is supposed to include the bolts. Friendly air tools are at the ready.

One last question: Did you raise both sides of the truck on jack stands and rest the diff on your jack? I get that the arms need to be replaced one at a time to keep the rear from shifting but it's not clear to me if there is an advantage in having the opposite tire on the ground during R/R.