Front left control arm help!

[damaster]

I'm changing the front left control arm on a 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback and I've run into an FML moment. I can't get one of the bolts out that connects the control arm to the suspension member because the transmission is in the way. FSU.pdf says "You may have to lower the suspension member". You "may"?! WTF! That's like when ingredients say "may contain peanuts"!

Well, now I realize that not only may I need to lower the suspension member but I must lower the suspension member. So I went at the very first bolt which connects the upper link on the left-hand side to the suspension member and it feels like it's going to break the bushing on the upper link. I don't wanna end up having to replace the upper link as a result of this!

I also can't seem to figure out which other bolts on the suspension member need to be removed in order to lower it just enough.

Has anyone here changed the front left control arm on a Versa? Any tips on how to lower the suspension member, i.e. which bolts need to be loosened?

Here's a pic of the bolt and the transmission that's in the way:

[ME18VERSA]

i would try to put a block of wood under trans and lift the trans just a little cause it looks like you dont need much to get it out

[damaster]

Thanks for the reply. I actually ended up lowering the suspension member just enough to get that bolt off. However, feels like the ball joint is gone again (crappy Mevotech lower control arm), so I'm probably going to have to do this work all over again. Thanks for the tip on raising the transmission instead of lowering the suspension member. Will try that.