How To: Install Mustang J&M Rear Lower Control Arms (79-98)

J&M Rear Lower Control Arms

J&M Products has been a world leader in the design and manufacturing of automotive suspension since 1996. Their products are built in modern production facilities, have years of research and a constant commitment to innovative technologies and manufacturing methods.

Each J&M non-adjustable lower control arm is designed with the exact same tubular construction and a black powder coated finish. Both control arms will feature a unique three piece poly-ball bushing that incorporates a very hard inner polyurethane ball which is surrounded by softer, outer bushings. This combination allows the bushing to articulate like a spherical bearing when cornering. The inner ball does not allow the bushing to deflect during acceleration which helps achieve a firmer launch.

The only subtle difference between the two J&M non-adjustable rear lower control arms is that one will include the three piece poly ball bushing in the front and rear of the control arm. Whereas, the other will have the three piece poly setup in the front and a spherical bushing assembly in the rear where it bolts to the axle. This J&M control arm is great for you guys that really like to track your car or for cars that don’t see much street duty. Since there is a spherical bushing in place of the conventional poly bushing; noise, vibration, and harshness will be more noticeable.

Required Tools

• Jack
• Jack Stands
• Pry Bars
• Open-End Wrench Set
• Ratcheting Wrench Set
• Torque Wrench
• 4" 2x4
• Dead Blow
• Wobble Socket
• 1/2" Breaker Bar
• 1/2" Socket Wrench
• Shop Towels
• WD-40



Installation Instructions

1. To begin installation, get the car on a lift or as high as you can on jack stands and remove both rear wheels.



2. Support the rear end with pole jacks or a jack if you’re working from the ground.



3. Loosen and remove the sway bar hardware. Remove the sway bar from the car.



4. With a combination of a 15mm open end wrench on the bolt and an 18mm socket on the nut, remove the lower shock hardware.



5. Pop the shock out of the mount on the axle. Do the same for the other side.



6. Remove the quad shock hardware and then remove the quad shock from the car. Do the same for the other side.



7. Lower your jacks supporting the rear end enough to remove the springs and remove them from the car.



8. Remove the front rear lower control arm hardware first. This can be done by using a breaker bar and an 18mm socket on the bolt; which is located just inside the frame rail. Use a half inch drive socket wrench with an 18mm socket on the nut; this is located right inside of the lower torque box. Use the same combo for the rear hardware.



9. Remove the lower control from the vehicle. Work one side at a time that way the other control will help stabilize the rear end and keep it from moving side to side.



10. Apply a liberal amount of the included grease to the inside and outside of the bushings. Do the same for the outer area of the metal shells and the insides of the lower control arm.



11. Slide the poly urethane ball over the metal shell and make sure it is centered.



12. Place one of the outer poly bushings over the metal shell and position it into the lower control arm.Ensure that it is square and then tap it into the control arm.



13. Once the ball is centered, remove the outer bushing and metal shell.



14. Reinstall the outer bushings and then slide the metal shell back into the control arm. Lightly tap it into place with using a two by four and a hammer. Repeat these steps for the other three bushing locations.



15. Clean any grease from the surface of the control arm with a shop towel and WD-40. Clean the inside of the frame rail and the torque box to remove any old grease and dirt that have accumulated over the years.



16. Apply the included grease to the outside of the bushings where they will make contact with the torque box and frame. The sway bar mount is offset on the control arms. The offset side will be toward the outside of the car.



17. Slide the control arm into place and align it with the bolt holes.



18. Swing the arm up and slide it into the axle. A pry bar and a large screwdriver will help align the metal shell with the bolt holes.



19. Reinstall the previously removed hardware, but do not fully tighten.



20. Re-position the spring and make sure the lower pigtail is on the back side of the lower isolator and centered on the control arm.



21. Jack up on the rear end and reinstall the shock to axle hardware; do not fully tighten. Repeat these steps for the other side.



22. If you’re still using a factory sway bar, flip the speed nuts around on both sides.



23. Position the sway bar into place and thread the bolts from the outside going in on the lower control arm. Loosely tighten all four bolts. Push up on the sway bar and then tighten down the bolts. Re-installation of the quad shock is optional.



24. Torque the front rear lower control arm bolts to 100 ft/lbs.



25. Reinstall your wheels and get the car on the ground.



26. Torque the axle side rear lower control bolts to 85 ft/lbs. Fully tighten the shock to axle hardware as well.



27. Double check everything and you’re all done.




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