upper control arm tip

For your Ford Focus related discussion
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dartfork
Posts: 223
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:54 am
Location: St. Paul

Hey,
I put my adjustable upper control arms in today (got 'em for xmas, so its about time)

The passenger side, upper control arm (blade, dogbone, whatever) is a major PITA to get out. But I came up with this mix of tools and it works great I was so stoked when I came up with this I thought I had to share it. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it works so great. It just a twisted style ratcheting box end with a large vice grip stuck on the end for extra leverage. I used two aluminum shims so I could really clamp on to the wrench. With that clamping power and they way they overlap (open end wrench over vice-grip) makes a super solid connection. Which is really needed since rusty nylon lock nuts take about 90lbs just to turn!
The space to get the bolt out is very shallow on the passengers side. I couldn't get a socket on there after it is about 3/4 of the way out. So ratcheting box end is the only way to go.

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Hope these pics help someone in the future
bflesher
Posts: 279
Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:54 pm

I like that idea but hopefully never have to use it.
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