Right lower control arm installation issue

Tiny
CHRIS MARCHESE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN TITAN
  • 5.6L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I'm trying to install the lower control arm, the problem i'm having is getting the shock mounted. I have tried taking the shock and strut apart at top and trying to hit those 3 screws is a real problem. I have tried trying to get shock on and it's giving me fits. Can you help me figure out how to get this lower control arm mounted please?
Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 1:48 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

The strut assembly needs to be assembled. I attached a pic below. Can you explain which end you are having trouble with? Do you have both ball joints attached already? You will likely have to separate one place the assembly in and then apply pressure to reattach the ball joint.

Let me know
Joe
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
CHRIS MARCHESE
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  • 5 POSTS
Ball joints are on already. Just need to know what is the best way to install shock?
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I always start at the top so the bolts go up through the strut tower and place the nuts on them to hold it in place. Then, it usually isn't an issue to get the bottom in place. However, if that isn't working, the only thing I can suggest is to remove the lower ball joint get the strut in place, and then reinstall the ball joint.

If that doesn't work, I need you to take a pic of what you are dealing with and upload it for me to see. Hopefully, I'll see what is happening.

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
CHRIS MARCHESE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
This is my problem. I think taking out ball joint is the answer.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Wow! That is so close. Is there any way you can pry it into place? If not, the only thing I can suggest is to remove the lower ball joint, get it into position, and then you may need to use a floor jack to push the control arm high enough to reinstall the ball joint.

Nothing is ever easy.

If you get a chance, let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
CHRIS MARCHESE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Man I finally got it, had to take steering knuckle out, then put ball in at bottom, and get spindle thru hub, then get reattached to the upper. Was a pain but it's in. Thank you
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Monday, October 26th, 2020 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it together. Based on your pics, it must be a really nice truck. The suspension looks cleaner than my truck's paint. LOL

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, October 26th, 2020 AT 6:53 PM

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