Need help with 2000 Explorer upper control arm drivers side**UPDATE NO.2

[mtnsmith]

I am having trouble removing the bolts that hold the upper control arm on the drivers side of 2000 Ford Explorer 4wd. The right side bolt lacks about a half inch coming out as the head is hitting several metal tubes, gas I guess. I have moved one tube out of the way, but there are others that I haven't yet. The left bolt head I can hardly see from any angle but appears to be hitting the metal shock tower. Is there an easy way to remove these bolts. This vehicle has 97,000 miles on it and all the ball joint boots are broken.

The passenger side upper control arm is a two piece arm and have had no trouble with it and replaced the lower ball joint yesterday on that side.

Any advice will be appreciated. mtnsmith

I have a pic of the right bolt. As you can see I have the head past one gas line, but there is a larger one, silver colored, right behind the head. Sort of afraid to force those lines out of the way. However, is that the only way to removed this bolt?

Update #2: Got the left bolt out, but still struggling with the right bolt shown in the pic. No utube on how to remove the drivers side upper control arm for this vehiclle

 

[mtnsmith]

Can't complain with service on this Explorer. Bought used in 2003 with 28k miles - second service ever, replaced chain tensioner about 6 months ago.

 

[Mister Heavyhand]

My wife has my 97 in Florida. Guess I will never see it again.
Check this out.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...378C1127DABC21FE6571378C1127DABC21F&FORM=VIRE

 

[mtnsmith]

My wife has my 97 in Florida. Guess I will never see it again.
Check this out.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...378C1127DABC21FE6571378C1127DABC21F&FORM=VIRE

Apparently the 1997 doesn't have the interference issues with that right bolt as his came right out. The large line in the pic I doubt is a brake line, the others are. I guess I will try forcing that large tube a little harder.

 

[Radar363]

Just pray the transmission doesn't start slipping.
Or the rear bearings lock up while you're driving down the interstate.
I was relieved when my ex said she wanted it in the divorce. ..put it in her name so she was responsible for the payments & never looked back.

 

[Mister Heavyhand]

It can all be done with a hickory dowel (aka old shovel, hoe, pick handle, etc..)

 

[mtnsmith]

It can all be done with a hickory dowel (aka old shovel, hoe, pick handle, etc..)

That large line is a gas line and is so marked from the underside. It is secure about 3 inches to the left of the bolt head and about 5 inches to the right of the bolt head. Underside it is firmly secured with a metal bracket which probably has to come loose to move that line. It will not budge. added some more pics. Not sure I want to do all this. I have replaced both lower ball joints and brake pads and upper control arm on passenger's side.

I may just have to re-atach old arm ball joint and take it to a good shop. May take a look again in the morning.

Anybody know a good reputable shop around Marietta, Kennesaw, Dallas, or Acworth.

Added a couple of pics.

 

[mtnsmith]

Just pray the transmission doesn't start slipping.
Or the rear bearings lock up while you're driving down the interstate.
I was relieved when my ex said she wanted it in the divorce. ..put it in her name so she was responsible for the payments & never looked back.

I have changed the tranny fluid ever 30k miles as the book says and hope it will go at least another 30K. Hope the rear bearings hold out to.

 

[roundhouse]

Locate the brackets holding the lines to the frame and remove them

Should be able to get enough movement then

Don't bend or force the lines



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mtnsmith]

Locate the brackets holding the lines to the frame and remove them

Should be able to get enough movement then

Don't bend or force the lines



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did loosen one bracket but think I broke the clips holding it, but don't see how it can move as it has about 3 lines attached to it and going in opposite directions. May try to zip tie it back as it is on the inside of the shock tower.

I did have to push the small fuel line around a bit. It did seem a little loose in that area.

Thanks, mtnsmith