left front upper control arm replacement process

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Jun 8, 2017 | 05:52 AM

bigcrunch

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: May 2007

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left front upper control arm replacement process

I can't get the upper rear bolt out the fuel lines are in the way and I have tried wiggling the arm in every direction possible. any tricks?

97 V8 AWD.

Jun 9, 2017 | 11:27 AM

vicv

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Joined: Jan 2004

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I had a 97 3.0L V6 and changed the upper control arms both sides. Don't know if there is a big difference in space but I do recall the left being a PITA due to the fuel lines as you say. I had to work the bolt past each line one at a time, very carefully, but I did get the bolt out and back in without damage.

Jun 9, 2017 | 06:53 PM

bigcrunch

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: May 2007

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For reference I found that taking the fuel line bundle mounts loose from behind filter forward there are 4 and the one large line loose at the front upper A arm best for clearance it probably added 1 hour total (loosen and tighten) because they are PITA. The main fuel lines hard section look to be stainless bend that it may break. I used a 5/16 wrench to remove the bundle bolts (filter one you need small hands). 3 bolts to loosen the shield I did not remove it all the way just enough to clearance the 2 bundle bolts. For the front single large line mount (behind the front A arm mount) 8mm 1/4 drive socket ratchet. You need patience to do this upper side. A ratchet 5/15 wrench help speed it up and a lift would make it more comfortable.
The brake line one can bend it slightly to slip the rear bolt out.

Jun 13, 2017 | 09:23 AM

Spaznaut

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2004

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From: NE Tennessee

I had to remove the bracket for the fuel lines and still do a little tweeking. No fun at all.

Jun 13, 2017 | 09:48 AM

sorg76F250

Cross-Country

Joined: Jan 2003

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I had trouble getting that bolt out and was probably lucky not to break the line. I know I pried the front side up and angled it up and forced it out. I cut about 3/4" off the end of that bolt and it went back together pretty easy...I did both sides and then brought it to the ford dealer for alignment. That's where I found out it needed a new shim kit to get aligned and it cost around $150 extra. I don't know if they ripped me off or not, but it had 210k miles and I know they were original.