How to: Cobra Control Arm Upgrade

[MustangChris]

How To:

Upgrade to Cobra Control Arms!!!

Step #1: losten Lug nuts
Step #2: jack up car. - Ensure it is astable and safe.
Step #3: Remove Lug Nuts and Wheels (front)

Here is what you will see:

Step #4: remove Caliper Bolts (circled in red)
Two Bolts Total

Step #5: Mount Caliper with coat hanger, zip ties, cable, etc.
Step #6: Slide rotor off wheel Hub.

Step #7: Drill out rivits on dust shield (i replaced my rivits with bolts aftewards, circled in red)

After the caliper, rotor and dust shield are removed, here is what you will see:

Step #8: Remove Sway Bar End Links via two nuts, one on top, and one under the control arm.

Step #9: Remove Tie Rod Ends.
OEM:
Remove Cotter Pin from OEM unit.
Un-screw king-nut.
Push down firmly on Tie Rod End.

Bump Steer Kit:
Unbolt bottom nut and slide out bolt.

Step #10: Place Jack Under Control arm, jack control arm up.

Step #11: Unbolt strut bolts (2)

Step #12: Unbolt strut bolt on top of caster camber plate (1)
I used an impact gun, you may also have to use a die-grinder to cut the nut off.

Here is what you will be looking at after the strut has been removed:

Step #13: Place a safety chain/harness around compressed spring. Or use spring compressors to compress spring. If using compressors, use internal compressors on the front springs, and external compressors on the rear springs.

I used air-craft grade braided cable.

Step #14: Stand AWAY from the wheel well and SLOWLY lower the jack.

Step #15: Press firmly on the steering knuckle and the spring should slide out of its seat. If not, pull on the spring.

Step #16: unbolt control arm mounting bolts.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920303_large.jpg">

Step #17: use a rubber mallot to dis-lodge the control arm from is seat after bolts have been removed. Be sure to use a rag to soften the landing.
[IMG]http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920304_large.jpg

Step #18: label which way the top spring isolator is facing (i put "F" and an arrow to point towards the "front" of the vehicle.) this way you can re-install the isolator in the same location. Remove the Isolator by pulling on it gently.

Step #19: collect tools and parts.

Step #20: Take inventory of tools, parts, and pieces.

Step #21: inspect rotor for cracks, pits, chunks, or other damage. Also inspect your brake pads at this point.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920307_large.jpg

Step #22: Remove Ball Joint Nut
[IMG]http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920309_large.jpg

Step #23: Get your pickle fork and BFH.
[IMG]http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920310_large.jpg

Step #24: HAMMER LIKE MAD! you may need to take this to a shop to have it pressed off...
[IMG]http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4359/1841/23395920311_large.jpg

Re-assemble in reverse order using manufacturers' tourque specs.
I did not supply "re-installation" instructions because this is a perfect time to upgrade your suspension, and each brand/manufacturer/and mechanic likes to use their own TQ specs. Contact your local mechanic shop for assistance!

 

[SRT Handz]

Very detailed!!! I did this upgrade a while ago and love it!!!

 

[jmahle67]

what is the benefit to cobra control arms over gt arms?


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[Phatboy]

what is the benefit to cobra control arms over gt arms?

I had the same question!

 

[MustangChris]

what is the benefit to cobra control arms over gt arms?


CTRL + Q to Enable/Disable GoPhoto.it

I had the same question!

The 03/04 cobra A arms give a smaller turning radius (supposedly. i couldnt really tell a difference) and they use a low-friction ball-joint (longer life-span for ball joints.)

 

[1997GT4.6]

Awesome write-up!!!! Bookmarked forsure.

 

[MustangChris]

the main reason i did the write up was for easy access for people lowering their stangs

 

[driftingmustang]

please fix images

 

[Ferocious]

please fix images

The last few images aren't working because you can only have 20 images per post.

Here is the rest of the writeup though:

Step #21: inspect rotor for cracks, pits, chunks, or other damage. Also inspect your brake pads at this point.

Step #22: Remove Ball Joint Nut

Step #23: Get your pickle fork and BFH.

Step #24: HAMMER LIKE MAD! you may need to take this to a shop to have it pressed off...

Re-assemble in reverse order using manufacturers' tourque specs.
I did not supply "re-installation" instructions because this is a perfect time to upgrade your suspension, and each brand/manufacturer/and mechanic likes to use their own TQ specs. Contact your local mechanic shop for assistance!

 

[joshuaw3]

the main reason i did the write up was for easy access for people lowering their stangs

I was trying to get my control arms off yesterday and i couldnt get that bolt out by the steering rack. We took that off and we still couldnt get the bolt out. It would come about halfway out and just stop no amount of pounding or anything was getting it out. Any ideas?

 

[RichV]

That puppy is rust-welded in the bushing sleve.

Spray a shitload of PB Blaster on each bolt (may as well do all of them), and see if anything changes after 24 hours. If not, cut them with a saw.