bmac11

Long timer lurker, first post.. and I need some help. I am trying to install a 2.5 leveling kit on a 08 F150 lx 4x4 and I cannot remove the nut on upper control arm. The long bolt that it attaches to is spinning with the nut. It looks like the kind of bolt that holds on brake calipers but after trying to turn it for awhile, its not dropping out of the top. Any suggestions?

thanks

Munky

Put some pressure on it with a pry bar. We just did mine yesterday and ran into the same problem. It needs to have some load on it to hold it in place while you remove the nut. Then you'll need to do the same thing when tightening it back up. Kind of a pain in the but you'll get it. If you get too frustrate stop for a minute, catch your breath, and crack open a cold one (juice that is).

Iceman281

Just did mine this weekend and had the same problem. WD 40 for the threads and vice grip to hold the bolt while you loosen it.

bmac11

Got one side done.. its never as easy as it looks in a video or on the instructions.

I'm worried about the steering linkage. It doesn't look like the bolt was flush with where it mounts. Is that normal? The bolt almost looks like its cone shape and will only go in so much.

I'm doubting buying this thing. Its amazing just how much 2.5 inches stresses everything. With the tire off, it really pulls on that upper control arm.

Time to juice up before the next one. The rear is gonna have to wait.

thanks again for the advice

ford4wd08

all the bolts from the balljoints and steering linkage are tapered. so they will have a cone shape. thats why they twist and you have to put pressure on them. its a design thats been used for years.

bmac11

Ah makes sense. I haven't really got my hands dirty since I had a fox body a couple of years ago. Only touched the suspension once and learned spring compressors aren't fun. I'll load some pics when done.

NPC5515

How exactly do you mean put pressure on it with a pry bar? Pressure on which part? Pressure up or down? Thanks!

ford4wd08

Whoa... Old thread! Anyhow to answer your question. Take the pry bar and hook onto the frame and pry from. Put the bar on top of the upper control arm and push down. You want the tapered part to be pressed into the knuckle so it will hold the stud while you loosen it.

snowborderus

He means apply downward pressure on the upper control arm. A prybar is the best tool to use, but anything you can wedge in there and apply the pressure will work.

johnny_tucson

I used my tire iron.