Control Your Motion – Replacing Upper Control Arms on a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ

“Project Control Arms” is coming to an end.  In this video I replace the front upper control arms and bushings on my 1997 Jeep TJ.  It’s hard to tell if the bushings really need it, but with 206,000 miles on the Jeep and previous owners that haven’t shown it much love, I’m thinking it’s worth the investment.  

This video provides some tips and tricks, learned the hard way, so maybe it’ll be easier for you if you go after this project.

Torque all front control arm bolts to 55 ft-lbs after both control arms are installed and the wheels are back on the ground.

Parts (some link are Amazon Affiliate Links):
• Detroit Axle - Front Upper and Lower Control Arms Replacement for 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ - 4pc Set (https://amzn.to/3E5BqF6)
• MOOG K3128 Control Arm Bushing Kit (https://amzn.to/3shbG6u)
• M10x1.5x75 Bolts (2) – I replaced the front bolts, reused the rear bolts (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-10mm...)
• M10x1.5 Nuts (2) – I replaced the front nuts, reused the rear flag nuts (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-10mm...)
• M10 washers (4) – for the new front bolts and nuts (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-Co...)

Project TJ is the chronicling of working on my 1997 Jeep Wrangler.  It's the SE version of a TJ with a 2.5L four cylinder and a standard transmission.  At the time of making this video, the Jeep had ~206,500 miles on it.

I hope you enjoy!  Subscribe to the channel and if you’re interested, you can support me on BuyMeACoffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/edvancise

Chapters:
Intro (0:00)
Remove Driver Control Arm (02:45)
Remove Driver Bushing (04:30)
Install Driver Bushing (07:15)
Install Driver Control Arm (09:38)
Remove Passenger Control Arm (10:35)
Remove Passenger Bushing (15:05)
Install Passenger Bushing (17:23)
Install Passenger Control Arm (17:59)
Final Thoughts (19:35)

Disclaimers:
This video is NOT sponsored by any of the brands mentioned throughout this video or video description.  All thoughts mentioned are my own.  Some links provided are affiliate links.  They do not cost you anything, but I make a small percentage from the sale.  Honesty is key on my channel, thank you for supporting me!

I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field.  I assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your car/vehicle or equipment before or after watching one of my videos.  All DIY repairs or modifications you perform are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you've done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car or equipment. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.

Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.  

Lastly, please don't do anything to your vehicle or equipment unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.