How Do You Remove The Lower Control Arms?

[fdbyrne]

I'm in the process of replacing my control arm bushings. I think that the control arms are about the only piece of the front end that I've never had to remove from any of my trucks before.

For those of you that have done it, how did you get them off? I got all of the bolts out easy enough. I can get the rear-most side of the arm to wiggle and I'm sure that I could get it off easily enough. I can't get the front part of either LCA to budge even though I've have removed the bolts. I know that there is a metal sleeve in there and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have to cut it out. I'm just wondering how you are actually supposed to get them off if everything were to go according to plan? I've been working on it for hours and I just can't figure out how they are supposed to come off.

 

[cmoua]

It's most likely seized. I had the same thing happened to mine. I tried using penetrating oil for days to no avail. I end up taking the 4runner to a shop to remove both LCA. They use a blow torch but still couldn't take it off and eventually use a saw to cut it. I spent $310 for labor and another $200 for OEM parts. The only reason I decide to remove the LCAs is so I can adjust alignment after install a light on the rig. Best of luck to you.

 

[fdbyrne]

I got them cut off. I really don't think there was any other way.