How to Replace the Lower Control Arms on a 1988 Chevy S-10 Blazer

Replacing a lower control arm on a 1988 Chevy S-10 Blazer is a relatively simple procedure, however it requires removing the coil spring. Because of the compression pressure the spring is exerting on the lower control arm, a constant vigilance is necessary to avoid releasing the spring unintentionally. The spring will come out with a vengeance if proper precautions are not taken.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels one-half turn using the lug wrench to make it easier to remove the lugs with the tire raised. Raise the front of the Blazer and place jack stands under each side of the frame. Lower the Blazer so it rests on the stands. Continue removing the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the wheels.

2

Remove the bolts securing the shock to the bottom of the lower control arm, using a socket and ratchet. Push the shock upward through the control arm. Secure the special spring removal tool to the floor jack and place the jack under the two lower control arm bolts. Raise the jack so the tool cradles the lower control arm bushings.

3

Remove the sway bar link from the lower control arm. Remove the nut under the control arm, using a socket and ratchet. Pull off the metal washer and rubber bushing as well as the nut and place them aside. Remove the two caliper retaining bolts, using a socket and ratchet. Suspend the caliper with a suitable piece of wire or rope to prevent it from hanging by its hose and causing damage to the hose.

4

Remove the cotter pin from the lower control arm ball joint stud, using wire cutters. Loosen the castle nut with a wrench but leave it on the stud a few threads. Insert the ball joint removal tool between the knuckle and the ball joint and strike it with a hammer until the ball joint separates from the knuckle and rests on the nut.

5

Raise the jack to relieve the pressure on the inner control arm-pivot bolts. Observe the direction in which the two pivot bolts are installed. They must be reinstalled in the same direction. Remove the bolts, rear first, and nuts, using a wrench, socket and ratchet to prepare to lower the arm to relieve the pressure on the spring.

6

Place the safety chain around the spring and through the control arm. Lower the floor jack and control arm slowly to relieve the pressure on the spring. Remove the coil spring. Remove the nut on the lower control arm ball joint stud and remove the control arm.

7

Install the new control arm ball joint. Insert the ball joint stud through the knuckle and install the castle nut. Tighten it as much as possible with a wrench for the moment. Position the inboard side of the control on the special tool on the floor jack. Make sure the tool cradles the inboard bushings.

8

Install the top and bottom coil spring insulator to the new spring. Position the coil spring into the upper coil tower, making sure the end of the spring is situated in the depression made for the spring end. The paper tab in the middle of the spring must face outward and the lower section of the spring must sit properly in the spring saddle on the lower control arm.

9

Raise the inboard side of the lower control arm with the floor jack until the inboard bushings are in place. Install the lower control arm bolts in the same direction as removed. Tighten them down slightly, using a wrench, socket and ratchet.

10

Install the shock absorber bolts. Install the sway bar link onto the lower control arm. The rubber bushing goes first, followed by the metal washer and finally the nut. Install the brake caliper and torque the retaining bolts to 37 foot-pounds. Torque the lower control arm ball joint nut to 61 foot-pounds and install the cotter pin. Torque the shock retaining bolts to 20 foot-pounds.

11

Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to 50 foot-pounds. Remove the chain and the floor jack. Torque the jam nut on the forward pivot bolt to 94 foot-pounds and the rear to 62. Raise the Blazer with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds.