Lower Control Arm Replacement

Lower Control Arm Replacement (2500, 3500)

Special Tools
* J 43631 - Ball Joint Separator
* J 45851 - Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

Removal Procedure

Note: For vehicles equipped with the aluminum control arm, the ball joint is NOT serviced separately. If the ball joint is found to have excessive wear and is damaged, replace the lower control arm as an assembly.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) (Front Suspension)Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500, 3500) (Front Suspension).
4. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style) (Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style))Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Link Style) (Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Link Style)).
5. Remove the shock absorber module. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500 Series). Service and Repair
6. Remove the wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500) (Service and Repair)Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) (Service and Repair).




7. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.




8. Using the J 43631 - separator and the J 45851 - adapters , remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.




9. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1) and washers (2).
10. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
11. Remove the control arm (4).

Installation Procedure




1. Install the lower control arm (4).
2. Install the lower control arm bolts (3).
3. Install the washers (2).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Install the lower control arm retaining nuts (1) and tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb ft).
5. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle.




6. Install the NEW lower ball joint retaining nut and tighten to 125 Nm (92 lb ft).
7. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500) (Service and Repair)Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) (Service and Repair).
8. Install the shock module. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500 Series). Service and Repair
9. Install the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style) (Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Bushing Style))Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Link Style) (Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Link Style)).
10. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) (Front Suspension)Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500, 3500) (Front Suspension).
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
12. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
13. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Wheel Alignment Measurement).