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Upper control arm bolts

wct097

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Unclear WTF happened, but the TJ is missing both upper control arm bolts at the diff. Don't think I'm going to drive it home from the gym......
 

wct097

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Heard a clunk on the way, which I assume was the right rear coming out and bouncing through the coil spring. Subsequently when under load/torque I would get vibration and noise.

This is a Ford 8.8. I last worked on it in August 2012, having removed it for mods, maintenance, and a new track bar. Didn't notice one missing or loose when the gas tank was out a couple months back.

Looking back at pics, the left one was clearly gone on Sept 30 when the tank was out. Right was still intact at the time.
 
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wct097

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I thought I had broken a control arm or had the trackbar come loose.
 

abqtj

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How far is the drive? If it's just a couple of miles I'd do it. Just be easy on the brake/accelerator.

If it's much more, Just stick any bolt in there for now. Or hell, some bailing wire. You aren't wheeling it to get home; those arms just keep the axle located.
 

wct097

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Probably about 15 mins, with some hills in between. The hills are the killer as the DS gets in a bind. Didn't think I was going to make it up 5th St. Friend gave me a lift home. Will grab the correct bolts tomorrow and fix it in the parking lot in the daylight. Shouldn't need much more than the jack, a couple stands, wrenches and a prybar.
 

abqtj

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:beerchug:

I'd grab a ratchet strap or two, also, in case you need more help than a pry bar to rotate the axle in to place.
 

wct097

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Drivers side missing on 9/30. Pass side was still there. Assuming the pass side fell out tonight.


 

BrandonM7

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Mine was triangulated and I lost the one bolt once. I stuck a screwdriver through the hole and held it in place with zipties for the drive home.
 

wct097

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Towed it to the car lot my brother works at. Their mechanic put the bolts in for me since it was raining outside. Tow was $45. Bolts were $3. Dealership didn't charge me. I tipped the mechanic $20.
 

wct097

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Towed because it was raining? That doesn't sound nearly EXTREME enough.
I'm fat, lazy, and old. Fortunately I can afford the minor expense of paying someone in lieu of laying on my back in the cold rain in the YMCA parking lot.
 

serfur1

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I'm fat, lazy, and old. Fortunately I can afford the minor expense of paying someone in lieu of laying on my back in the cold rain in the YMCA parking lot.
real men lay on their back in the cold rain in the YMCA parking lot. :D I still can't bring myself to pay people for things that I can/will do myself, even if I have the money.
 

wct097

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real men lay on their back in the cold rain in the YMCA parking lot. :D I still can't bring myself to pay people for things that I can/will do myself, even if I have the money.
Honestly its more of a time issue than anything. Too much going on with the land purchase, permits, Christmas, etc.
 
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