UCA's swap

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:53 am

How much work is involved in swapping out the upper control arms? any special tools etc? I have al's gen 3 arms and want to upgrade to the 4.5's and just curious to know what skill level I need and how long it takes, risks or dangers to be aware of etc. Also would that be a good time also to do the clevis ? or is that a separate animal on its own?

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:18 pm

UCA's is not too hard to do. It should not take more than an hour if you are good at taking things apart.

If you are going to do a clevis, this would be a good time. You are starting to take the IFS apart to change the UCA's. You mind as well do the rest while you are in there.

UCA:
You need to take the battery out and air box. the bolts and nuts are on the outside of the wheel well inside the engin bay.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:31 pm

very easy except for the drivers side rear which you need some good swivels and extensions to reach it, Also you may want to have an extra set of hands to help you get the bolts started while holding the a arm in place. I did mine by myself but easier with two

Wasatch15 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:52 am **Posts:** 242

I did the exact same thing to mine you are going to do. Ditto on the long extensions and good universal joint, the splined type. Craftsman sells one if you don't have one.

callaway · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:18 pm

if the bolts are in good condition it's a relatively easy job

Extra set of hands is most helpful. Make sure you have a good selection of extenders and a universal swivel adapter.

JeepinMaxx · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:28 pm

You may want to clearance the pockets for more droop (don't know if that makes a difference on CRD)

I outlined the tools needed and some of the install here:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=36444&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:33 pm

ok now for my next dumb question, can I use the moogs that are in my gen 3's? do I need a special tool for those to come out?

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:51 pm

0311_DoC wrote:

ok now for my next dumb question, can I use the moogs that are in my gen 3's? do I need a special tool for those to come out?

Gen 3s had a press in ball joint, 4.5s have a bolt in so no can not exchange them. Marlin did have a buy back program though, he takes tham in and makes 3.5s out of them, may try that

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:11 pm

tommudd wrote:

0311_DoC wrote:

ok now for my next dumb question, can I use the moogs that are in my gen 3's? do I need a special tool for those to come out?

Gen 3s had a press in ball joint, 4.5s have a bolt in so no can not exchange them. Marlin did have a buy back program though, he takes them in and makes 3.5s out of them, may try that

Ok thanks. Marlin told me I could trade my 3's in for the 4.5's. I just to make sure I get the 3's back to him within a few weeks. So I guess I will buying some new ball joints as well. Im also not fan of the red arms. im wondering if I can get them re coated a different color once I receive them.

tonycrd · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:17 pm

I found out the passenger side rear bolt is hardest to reach on a CRD because our turbo is a little in the way. You'll need a metric wrench 18.

I see you have the Frankenlift IIp or full OME stuff, you'll have to widen the front pocket. Like I did. Before you connect the UCA just check how much clearance you need.

RAYMAN975 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:18 pm

yea you can paint them whatever color you want! scuff up the red on the arms, clean em with some rubbing alcohol, tape off certan parts where you dont want paint(balljoint, threads, bushings) and paint em!

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:35 pm

0311_DoC wrote:

tommudd wrote:

0311_DoC wrote:

ok now for my next dumb question, can I use the moogs that are in my gen 3's? do I need a special tool for those to come out?

Gen 3s had a press in ball joint, 4.5s have a bolt in so no can not exchange them. Marlin did have a buy back program though, he takes them in and makes 3.5s out of them, may try that

Ok thanks. Marlin told me I could trade my 3's in for the 4.5's. I just to make sure I get the 3's back to him within a few weeks. So I guess I will buying some new ball joints as well. Im also not fan of the red arms. im wondering if I can get them re coated a different color once I receive them.

ball joints come with the arms of course so yes you will be getting new ball joints in the trade, well worth it trust me. Had a set of 3s for a short time.
I was going to paint mine but they are still red with everything else black, black black!!!!

UCA's swap

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