Good idea. I might be able to pull it back using my trailer hitch.

 

It sounds as if the holes are just mis-aligned a bit and that's why I suggested the jack or Port-A-power. Even a come along would work as it might only be a 1/8th of an inch or less off.

 

I used a come along from my trailer hitch. All finished.

Thanks for all the help.

 

what are the torque settings for the lower and upper control arms!!!! i have already set the arms up just need torque them now!!!!

 

Looks like they should be torqued 100-110. The lowers are 110 ft lbs, the uppers are 100 ft lbs. Hope that helps.

 

After reading this, I will have to check my control arms, too.

Update: Mine are in great shape

 

I pulled the left rear wheel and to my surprise found the lower control arm nearly rusted in two. I guess it could have been worst, I could have learned about the arms the hard way.

 

Replaced my lower rear control arms today. Purchased new ones on EBay for $125, including shipping, from expy_source. They appear to be similar to the PMT arms, except no grease fitting and $145 cheaper. The new arms are 20 ¾” vs the originals at 20 ¼”. I purchased 5/8 x 3 ½, grade 8 bolts to replace the 16mm x 90mm, 10.9 originals. Including flat washers and nuts from Fastenal for $16. Yes, I know they’re 4 thousandths smaller. But, they’re stronger and readily available. Many of the recommendations and experiences discussed here helped. Used a 4” cut off wheel for the bolt head next to the gas tank. Used a come-along to pull the axle into position. Project took about a couple hours.

 

FYI - Grade 10.9 is slightly stronger than grade 8.

 

5/8" grade 8 in fine thread may actually be stronger than 16mm 10.9 in both tension and shear
if i get ambitous later i'll look it up

 

Did a search and found this thread after finding my driver's side trailing arm rotted through. Its great to have directions and pics. I ordered a set on ebay from expysource for $80 w/ free shipping. Ordered them Friday 3/8. They came today 3/15. I got lucky with the axle shifting back. It moved just enough to make up for the slightly longer new trailing arms. So they slid right in. A rare quick and painless job. Thanks all .

 

Gonna replace the lowers only on my '01 with the PMT arms. Anybody buy their recommended PTFE grease? Me, I'd rather avoid having a dedicated grease gun with twenty years worth of product hanging on the shop wall.

 

Nope, I used general grease when I did mine.

 

That's what I wanted to hear.

 

I am replacing my trailing arms, 98 Navigator. I get that I have to engage the suspension and have the axle on jack stands. I also get doing only one side @ a time. My question is do I need to have jacks under the frame? Concerned about the axle moving and the whole thing falling. Thoughts?