Registered User
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
Can you drive a short distance without one upper control arm?
Kind of at my wits end, I have an appointment at the shop this morning, for alignment to put in the front axle bushings.
Can't get the passenger front upper control arm reconnected. Even with jacks and a ratchet strap, I just cant get it lined up, and I am running out of time.
I was wondering if driving it a few miles (like 8) on flat level paved roads at a slow speed would be horribly dangerous, or guaranteed to break something. If not, I have to call for a tow. This sucks, I got a lot of confidence before this, changed out all my other arms and bushings, just this one I can't get for some reason.
If I can avoid the two fee, that would be awesome...
Can't get the passenger front upper control arm reconnected. Even with jacks and a ratchet strap, I just cant get it lined up, and I am running out of time.
I was wondering if driving it a few miles (like 8) on flat level paved roads at a slow speed would be horribly dangerous, or guaranteed to break something. If not, I have to call for a tow. This sucks, I got a lot of confidence before this, changed out all my other arms and bushings, just this one I can't get for some reason.
If I can avoid the two fee, that would be awesome...
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Sponsored Links | |||
Advertisement
|
|
Registered User
I would not do it. The stresses put on the other arms might do severe damage, esp if the brackets are not pristine. The risk factor to yourself and others is far too great to outweigh 50-75 for a tow imo..
96 ZJ 4.0
98 ZJ 5.9
Registered User
I would never tell you to do it. I make no claim to it be safe. However, I will tell you that I have done a slow careful drive like this before and had no problems as long as you remover, or tie the loose control arm up from hitting the ground.
|
|
Registered User
I called the tow, I was going to risk it but you know how bad things come in clusters? Well, number 1 in the cluster last night was my favorite, trusty, loyal 15mm 12-point socket fell down and rolled away inside the frame rail when I was disconnecting the old arm.
Number 2 was it not lining up right. Number three would surely involve heavy rush hour traffic, a tow truck anyway, and most likely a much heftier shop bill...
Yeah, no. On another day, sure. Today, nooo.
Number 2 was it not lining up right. Number three would surely involve heavy rush hour traffic, a tow truck anyway, and most likely a much heftier shop bill...

Yeah, no. On another day, sure. Today, nooo.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Registered User
just did my CA bushings too, dont feel too bad, my 15mm is sitting down in a frame rail in the junk yard from trying to get another CA bolt. apparently, this is a common occurance.
Registered User
I'm pretty sure it would have been fine, i have seen guys go bash around on backyard trails with one stock upper arm with no problems.
also, you can stick a pry-bar under the spring perch (from the front) and pull up on it to line up the CA. If your working by yourself, you can use a jack to push up on the pry-bar while you get the bolt in.
also, you can stick a pry-bar under the spring perch (from the front) and pull up on it to line up the CA. If your working by yourself, you can use a jack to push up on the pry-bar while you get the bolt in.
Registered User
Quote:
Originally Posted by Osboy1
View Post
Kind of at my wits end, I have an appointment at the shop this morning, for alignment to put in the front axle bushings.
Can't get the passenger front upper control arm reconnected. Even with jacks and a ratchet strap, I just cant get it lined up, and I am running out of time.
I was wondering if driving it a few miles (like 8) on flat level paved roads at a slow speed would be horribly dangerous, or guaranteed to break something. If not, I have to call for a tow. This sucks, I got a lot of confidence before this, changed out all my other arms and bushings, just this one I can't get for some reason.
If I can avoid the two fee, that would be awesome...
Can't get the passenger front upper control arm reconnected. Even with jacks and a ratchet strap, I just cant get it lined up, and I am running out of time.
I was wondering if driving it a few miles (like 8) on flat level paved roads at a slow speed would be horribly dangerous, or guaranteed to break something. If not, I have to call for a tow. This sucks, I got a lot of confidence before this, changed out all my other arms and bushings, just this one I can't get for some reason.
If I can avoid the two fee, that would be awesome...
I didn't wheel it that way but I drove it back and forth to work every day.
Does your axle need to rotate backward to connect the arm or does it need to rotate forward?
If it needs to rotate forward put the floor jack under the pinion yoke and jack the axle to rotate it forward. If it needs to rotate backward then you need to put a flat bar under the coil spring mount and put the jack under the flat bar and rotate it back.
I would advise connecting the left upper first as it is the hardest to connect. Both arms should be set to the same length.
Disconnect the front drive shaft at the pinion yoke and the axle will move a hell of a lot easier. That slip yoke doesn't move easily.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 - 4.0L
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Registered User
I haven't had the passenger side upper in my XJ for 3 years and I beat the crap out of it mercilessly .... it's not a stock upper but I guess what I'm saying is, don't worry about it too much just don't wheel it.
I always use med to large ratchet strap to move an axle around when getting arms in.
I always use med to large ratchet strap to move an axle around when getting arms in.
Registered User
So I don't need to drive anywhere without putting in the UCA (Amazon's late with the business!!!), but I was just curious. However, I'm missing a socket too. There's no trick to getting them back I guess?
Senior Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by iconoclasthero
View Post
So I don't need to drive anywhere without putting in the UCA (Amazon's late with the business!!!), but I was just curious. However, I'm missing a socket too. There's no trick to getting them back I guess?
Follow the build!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
2002 Dakota aka Winnie aka Mad Max
1996 Grand Cherokee aka Puddles aka Pikey Life
Quote:
Originally Posted by kg6mov
View Post
The 4.0 is dumb old tractor motor, it’s too stupid to know it’s supposed to die.
Registered User
What I bought to retrieve both a socket and a nut which disappeared into the passenger's side frame rail:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's come in handy more times that I care to admit. Paid for itself several times over in less frustration, part hunting, and saving time.
Sure, using a telephone's screen for viewing is less than optimal, but it's not a few hundred bucks, either. Plus, I found, usually, I can prop the phone up and use both hands on the camera/hook/magnet/mirror.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's come in handy more times that I care to admit. Paid for itself several times over in less frustration, part hunting, and saving time.
Sure, using a telephone's screen for viewing is less than optimal, but it's not a few hundred bucks, either. Plus, I found, usually, I can prop the phone up and use both hands on the camera/hook/magnet/mirror.
White '98 5.9L as a dedicated towed car, 177K miles, bone stock
2012 Lexus LS 460 L, my DD
Hears the voices
Running without a front suspension component will put extra stress on the other components and destroy them.
Fish tape work to get sockets that roll into the frame, the locking style extensions are nice for peace of mind when that gets old.
Fish tape work to get sockets that roll into the frame, the locking style extensions are nice for peace of mind when that gets old.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
1984 F250, 460 BB, T19, work truck/future tow pig
1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo, the diesel daily, 30mpg in style
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas ZJ1
View Post
I heard someone yell "mall crawler" from the back porch. I'll go see who said that. Be right back.
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Show Printable Version Show Printable Version
Email this Page Email this Page
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Jeep Forums | Replies | Last Post |
jba upper control arm | geoffh | WK Grand Cherokee & XK Commander Forum | 31 | 09-09-2015 10:09 AM |
CAs Long Lower, Short Upper??? | tbick | ZJ Grand Cherokee Forum | 2 | 06-23-2009 01:44 PM |
5.2 power loss after short drive | flybop | ZJ Grand Cherokee Forum | 2 | 03-05-2009 03:50 PM |
IRO Upper Control Arm ? | ntaousakis | ZJ Grand Cherokee Forum | 8 | 03-03-2008 10:53 AM |
ZJ won't start after short drive | wsmith50 | ZJ Grand Cherokee Forum | 2 | 06-28-2007 06:33 AM |
Posting Rules | |