Rear control arm bolt alignment issue

[littlemike777]

I have a 04 I’m replacing original control arms with new, non adjustable arms. I’ve done both the front, only had to use the come-along for one side.
Got rear drivers side done without much persuasion. Have the lower passenger side done, now I can’t get the last bolt holes to line up on the rear side of upper arm. The bracket needs to go back about 1/2” and I’m at wits end. I do not have a lift, using a jack and jack stand. I’ve seen a couple of videos about jacking up at the differential and rotating the tire. I’ve also seen one where the axle was jacked up under the spring bracket. And another where the jack was under the rear bumper. I got it opened enough to get a thin screwdriver through it but it won’t pry open any further.
Any tips on this last one? I’m about ready to torch the thing lol

 

[macleanflood]

Have you tightened up any bolts on the other rear control arms?

-Mac

 

[Chris]

Yeah, I would make sure nothing is tightened up until all the bolts are in place.

 

[Mitchrb1]

Only 1/2 inch? Use a ratchet strap to pull it back. Attach it to bumper possibly? I had the opposite issue when i put in new control arms on mine. It was not far enough forward and i was able to use a ratchet strap hooked to the frame in the front to pull it forward slightly, But, yes as others have indicated make sure everything is loose until you get all the bolts in place. And don't tighten down either side fully until you have the jack stands removed and it's on ground.

 

[mrblaine]

I have a 04 I’m replacing original control arms with new, non adjustable arms. I’ve done both the front, only had to use the come-along for one side.
Got rear drivers side done without much persuasion. Have the lower passenger side done, now I can’t get the last bolt holes to line up on the rear side of upper arm. The bracket needs to go back about 1/2” and I’m at wits end. I do not have a lift, using a jack and jack stand. I’ve seen a couple of videos about jacking up at the differential and rotating the tire. I’ve also seen one where the axle was jacked up under the spring bracket. And another where the jack was under the rear bumper. I got it opened enough to get a thin screwdriver through it but it won’t pry open any further.
Any tips on this last one? I’m about ready to torch the thing lol

Do you have jackstands tall enough to support it under the rear bumper at the frame ends?

 

[littlemike777]

Update, I got it done. I read enough to figure out the mechanics of how it all works. I had tried to pull the axle backwards with a come along but it wouldn’t budge. So I took a floor jack on some wood blocks and jacked it up by the rear bumper to take pressure off the axle. I then put a scissor jack under the pinion at the nose of the differential and raised it about 3-4” and the hole lined up and the bolt went in without having to force it. Test drive and made a huge difference in handling.
Thanks for the replies!