C1 Upper Control Arm Bushings
05-05-2014, 06:23 PM
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C1 Upper Control Arm Bushings
I'm currently rebuilding the front suspension on my 59, have installed the upper control arm bushings centered on the shaft but the control arm doesn't appear to be centered on the spring housing. Is this normal?
05-05-2014, 08:30 PM
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Always post pictures. It really helps those in the know to diagnose the problem and offer a solution.
05-05-2014, 11:17 PM
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Moving from Parts For Sale classified to General.
05-05-2014, 11:48 PM
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http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/218134/
05-06-2014, 11:49 AM
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Look here. Scroll down to picture #46. Maybe that will help.
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/218134/
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/218134/
download the attached PDF file.
DZ
05-06-2014, 06:44 PM
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That's a great pictorial!
Just by looking at the pics, the spring housing seems somewhat skewed towards the front. That being the case, with the control arm centered on the shaft there would be more of a gap on the rear.
It occured to me that if the control arm was centered while resting on the bumper it wouldn't be quite centered at ride height. Is this critical for alignment?
ST12 manual states that after torque (30-40 ft lbs) and lubrication the control arm "should fall of its own weight". Is this correct?
Just by looking at the pics, the spring housing seems somewhat skewed towards the front. That being the case, with the control arm centered on the shaft there would be more of a gap on the rear.
It occured to me that if the control arm was centered while resting on the bumper it wouldn't be quite centered at ride height. Is this critical for alignment?
ST12 manual states that after torque (30-40 ft lbs) and lubrication the control arm "should fall of its own weight". Is this correct?
05-06-2014, 08:09 PM
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That's a great pictorial!
Just by looking at the pics, the spring housing seems somewhat skewed towards the front. That being the case, with the control arm centered on the shaft there would be more of a gap on the rear.
It occured to me that if the control arm was centered while resting on the bumper it wouldn't be quite centered at ride height. Is this critical for alignment?
ST12 manual states that after torque (30-40 ft lbs) and lubrication the control arm "should fall of its own weight". Is this correct?
Just by looking at the pics, the spring housing seems somewhat skewed towards the front. That being the case, with the control arm centered on the shaft there would be more of a gap on the rear.
It occured to me that if the control arm was centered while resting on the bumper it wouldn't be quite centered at ride height. Is this critical for alignment?
ST12 manual states that after torque (30-40 ft lbs) and lubrication the control arm "should fall of its own weight". Is this correct?
EVERY joint in these frontends is metal-to-metal. When they are properly assembled/rebuilt with new parts, the joints need to have an absolute bare minimum of free play. Also, the ONLY insulation between the metal parts is the grease (and it is imperative they be greased regularly!!!).
So, with all that said, when I replace shafts/bushings, I like to see some resistance, such as the upper A-frame NOT falling freely. As soon as new parts are installed, they need to be greased, then work the part up and down a few times and grease again to assure all threads are thoroughly lubricated. Once finished, drive the car a short distance and GREASE EVERY JOINT AGAIN. When properly maintained and greased, these early frontends will last MANY, MANY years.
Regarding the criticality of centering and alignment. The UPPER-OUTED shaft is an eccentric. Its function is the adjustment of BOTH camber and caster. As caster is increased/decreased, camber is decreased/increased. BUT, considering the amount of change that occurs as the suspension moves up/down, the change in alignment is not noticeable.
Last edited by DZAUTO; 05-06-2014 at 08:16 PM.