Q: How to remove and install a rear lower control arm?
A: Always support the lower control arm before removing the lower shack mounting bolts, because the lower control arm will drop about 3 inches. Inspect the bushings for wear and deterioration. If they're cracked or damaged, take the arm to an automotive machine shop and have new bushings installed. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Remove the wheel. Remove the rear Shock Absorber. Make alignment marks on the front and outer adjusting cams. Hold the adjusting cam plate nuts with a wrench and unscrew the pivot bolts and rear bolt. Remove all the bolts and detach the lower control arm from the frame. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure that the alignment marks you made prior to disassembly are lined up. Tighten all suspension fasteners. The pivot bolts should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. This can be done after the vehicle has been lowered to the ground (on vehicles with adequate clearance), or can be simulated by raising the lower control arm with a floor jack. Remove the rear coil spring or air bag. If equipped remove the rear air bags assembly. Remove the cotter pin, then loosen the lower balljoint nut a few turns. Using a two-jaw puller or a pickle fork-type balljoint separator, separate the balljoint from the lower control arm. Make alignment marks on the adjusting cams. Hold the adjusting cam plate nut with a wrench and unscrew the bolt. Remove all the bolt and detach the lower control arm from the frame. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure that the alignment marks you made prior to disassembly are lined up. Tighten all suspension fasteners. The pivot bolts should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. This can be done after the vehicle has been lowered to the ground (on vehicles with adequate clearance), or can be simulated by raising the lower control arm with a floor jack.