The DIY Guide to Dodge Control Arms

Dodge vehicles, such as a Dakota or a Ram, make use of a control arm that is located at the bottom of the suspension at the front of the vehicle. The purpose of the control arm is to support the weight of the vehicle under the engine and to support the coil spring. When any component of the control arm wears out you need to lower and remove the part from the vehicle before making any repairs.

Things You'll Need

• Car jack
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Raise the front of your Dodge up off the ground with the car jack. Place the jack stands under the frame behind the front wheels. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

2. Remove the lug nuts from the two front wheels with the air gun. Take the wheels off of the hubs and set them aside.

3. Align the top of the car jack with the bottom of the control arm. Raise the car jack until the top touches the control arm.

4. Disconnect the end link bolt on the sway bar from the control arm using the socket wrench. Disconnect the steering knuckle behind the wheel from the lower control arm.

5. Disengage the control arm from the frame using the socket wrench.

6. Release tension on the spring by slowly lowering the car jack. This will lower the control arm from the suspension and frame.

7. Pull the car jack and control arm out from under the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• The control arm is the part that looks like a metal wishbone.

• Use a standard wrench with the socket wrench to remove the bolts.

References

• "Chilton's Dodge Pick-ups 2002-05 Repair Manual"; John A. Wegmann; 2006
• AutoZone: Lower Control Arms