Installing JBA Control Arms

[ReniTheRenegade]

On my 2011 Liberty. I have the driver side factory arm out. I can’t get the JBA Bushing to line up with the mounting holes. It’s as if the bushings are too big. I have the correct part numbers. I greased the outer service of the bushings and got them in but they don’t line up enough to get the mounting bolt in. Is this common with the Kk? At this point, I feel like there’s no way I can get these installed without a second pair of hands. Am I missing something?

 

[kiwi_outdoors]

FWIW - I did the 2.5" lift from JBA on my 2008 Libby. and never changed any control arms - its been fine, the subsequent wheel alignment was very close to factory after all adjustments were made at the tire shop. Same experience on my 2011 Libby - using a Rough Country lift (same parts, more or less, except for preassembled coil-over front shocks).

 

[duderz7]

I assume you don't have the the knuckle (upper ball joint) attached as that would just make it more difficult. Sometimes a little persuasion in the form of a pry bar or large screwdriver is needed. Don't tighten anything until bolts are in place.

 

[EagleKJ]

Probably a dumb question but the KK JBA arms are left and right specific. I've never seen them but I assume they are marked? And you have the correct side?

 

[lfhoward]

Yes, they are side specific. I remember the driver side one being kind of a pain to get in. Especially the rear bolt, which you have to reach underneath the wheel well from outside of the engine bay to get it in. But it just takes some shoving in, along with some wiggling back-and-forth to get the control arm bolt hole to lineup. I remember it taking a bunch of force. But it does work.

 

[ReniTheRenegade]

I assume you don't have the the knuckle (upper ball joint) attached as that would just make it more difficult. Sometimes a little persuasion in the form of a pry bar or large screwdriver is needed. Don't tighten anything until bolts are in place.

Probably a dumb question but the KK JBA arms are left and right specific. I've never seen them but I assume they are marked? And you have the correct side?

Yes, they are side specific. I remember the driver side one being kind of a pain to get in. Especially the rear bolt, which you have to reach underneath the wheel well from outside of the engine bay to get it in. But it just takes some shoving in, along with some wiggling back-and-forth to get the control arm bolt hole to lineup. I remember it taking a bunch of force. But it does work.

I really appreciate the responses, yall!

I'm replacing suspension and I&O tie rods too so everything is undone. Persuasion by force does in fact seem to be the answer. With a lot more grease and lots of pushing and prying, I managed to get a bolt through PS front mount. I'm feeling a bit more optimistic about my chances with the other 3 now.