Lower Control Arm Replacement

Lower Control Arm Replacement (1500)

Special Tools
* CH 3631 - Ball Joint Separator
* J 45851 - Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (Front Suspension).

Removal Procedure

Note: For vehicles equipped with the aluminum lower control arm, the ball joint is NOT service separately. If the ball joint in the aluminum lower control arm is found to have excessive wear and is damaged, replace the lower control arm as an assembly.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500) (Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500))Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) (Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500)).
4. Remove the wheel drive shaft, if equipped. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) (Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500))Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500/3500) (Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500/3500)).
5. Using mechanics wire or equivalent, support the knuckle assembly and upper control arm.




6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut (1).
7. Remove the lower shock bolts from the lower control arm.




8. Using the CH 3631 - separator (1) and the J 45851 (2), remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.




9. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1) and washers (2).
10. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
11. Remove the control arm (4).

Installation Procedure




1. Install the lower control arm (4).
2. Install the lower control arm bolts (3).
3. Install the washers (2).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Install the lower control arm retaining nuts (1) and tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb ft).
5. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle.




6. Install the lower ball stud nut (1) and tighten to:

* First Pass 50 Nm (37 lb ft)
* Final Pass additional 95 degrees

7. Install the lower shock absorber bolts to the lower control arm.
8. Remove the support for the steering knuckle and upper control arm.
9. Install the wheel drive shaft, if equipped.
10. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500) (Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500, 3500))Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) (Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500)).
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
13. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Wheel Alignment Measurement).