Upper control arm removal problem....

I have my truck at the shop needing upper control arm replaced.... guy said he can not remove the bolt holding it in. Says it hit the frame when he tries to pull it out. Anyone have any input that could help here?

 

Have to bend it! Big channel locks and pull that baby. Make sure not to damage and wiring behind metal

 

I've heard of people loosening the screws that hold the fender in place and moving it out of the way. But, I'm not positive which years that applies to.

 

Just kidding
All you have to do is bend the pinch weld out of the way and pull from inside the engine bay

 

If that's all it took for the guy at your shop to be stumped then better take it to another shop.

 

It is a PITA to remove, but certainly a competent mechanic shouldn’t have any issue.

 

With pictures

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/total-chaos-uca-how-to-install.14507/

 

He just called me back and said he can just replace the joint instead of the entire control arm.

 

Thanks man.

 

That's definitely not frame he's contacting. Just some thin sheet metal. Have him remove the clips holding the wires into it and just pry it over with some channel locks like stated above. Not difficult. If he couldn't figure that one out its time for a new shop

 

I guess if they just press the joint out and replace it that would avoid having to get an alignment. Maybe save a few bucks that way....

 

You should ask him if he's going to tighten the bolt with the suspension at full droop or at ride height.

I'm guessing you're going to get the deer in the headlights look.

 

Is there enough room just to start cutting away at the bolt and get a new one? Installing it from the other end then ?

 

I was just thinking and was going to say the same exact thing. Fucking rookies.

 

You'll still have to move it to install the new bolt.

 

Here ya go, look at 3:10 or so:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUyav3qCUao

 

Safer for the bolt to be installed with the flanged part on the high side. That way IF the nut falls off the bolt it can't come free.

 

https://youtu.be/bbsTJgb6S_c

Watch starting at 6:12

 

This, but I did install the passenger side flange on the downside. Added blue lock tight to keep the nut from loosening though. I just could not get it back in after I got it out and ran out of patience.
I will be checking it periodically.

 

If so and you’re looking for some cheap replacements, shameless plug...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stock-uca’s-40-obo.651276/