So I got everything set up to pull my a-arm out today to find out that the bolt for the front a-arm bushing doesn't come out unless you undo the tie rod.

Not a big deal but when you were not prepared for that (eg, pickle fork and new bushings) it pretty much f*cks up ur day.

I never saw this mentioned anywhere in my research before I got under there ;(

 

this is no ones fualt..its just part of the process

 

i never had to remove the tie rod.

 

Not trying to blame anyone, just putting it out here so someone else might see it BEFORE they have the same crappy day LOL

 

Yeah I wasn't expecting that at all, but on mine the joint sits directly in front of the head of the bolt with about a 1.5 inch gap...no way to get that 3-4 inch a-arm bolt out that way.

I am wondering if they were done before and the bolt was put in the wrong way round. If the head was facing the other way it wouldn't matter.

I guess I'll be buying tie rod bushings very soon LOL

 

If I remember correctly, you can man-handle the spidle out of the way enough to get the tie rod to clear the bolt. You also have to turn the wheel to one side or the other depending on which side your on. At least I think you can do that.

 

Sounds like a plan LOL

 

I always just turned the wheel full lock to one side and it moved out of the way enough to loosen and pull the bolt out.