Upper Control Arm Installation Confirmation

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Nov 9, 2008 | 09:50 AM

dewhurstaj

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Upper Control Arm Installation Confirmation

I recently installed a complete new front end on a 1966 Corvette.
The alignment shop had a difficult time obtaining the correct caster & mentioned that I may have the upper control arms swapped. They recommended swapping the upper control arms or installing an offset upper control shaft.

Does anyone know how to confirm that the upper control arms are correctly installed?

Thanks!
Andy

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:00 AM

obx2323

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From: Manteo NC

Vette Brakes and Products has a nice spread of what works best on all 4 wheels, as track set-up, agressive driving and regular driver. You should be able to search their site and find the alignment chart. It gives you 4 choices as I said based on your driving style.

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:01 AM

Nowhere Man

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I thought they would only fit one way and if you the uppers on wrong the lowers would be too. and I don't see how if that is the case how u got anything else to fit and line up. then how would you get the wheels on

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:03 AM

66BlkBB

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I just looked at the web site for LIC and it appears that the distance measurement from the center of the ball joint is smaller to the rear on both sides. Take a tape and simply measure from the ball joint to the upper control arm shaft rear and if the measurement is longer on the back side you have swapped them. I believe I am correct in my assessment but others will know for sure.

Steve

PS
Like Nowhere Man I thought you wouldn't be able to get anything to fit if the upper control arms were switched.

Last edited by 66BlkBB; Nov 9, 2008 at 10:11 AM.

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:31 AM

Grey Ghost

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From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock

Clicky:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-c...rong-side.html

Can't mess up the lowers because of the stab. bar holes. Check the above thread for uppers.

Last edited by Grey Ghost; Nov 9, 2008 at 10:34 AM.

Nov 9, 2008 | 11:52 AM

JohnZ

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From: Washington Michigan

Here's how the upper control arms should be oriented.

Attached Images

Nov 9, 2008 | 03:32 PM

dewhurstaj

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Confirmed correctly installed - now need offset upper control shaft

Guys,
Thanks for the information & pictures.
I found it very helpful!
I have the control arms installed correctly.

It looks like I'm going to have to remove the upper control arms & install offset shafts.
This is a major job because I used the urethane bushing!
Any suggestions on how to make this difficult job easier?

Thanks!
Andy

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:11 PM

nassau66427

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From: going faster miles an hour...with the radio on in browns mills new jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by dewhurstaj

...This is a major job because I used the urethane bushing!
Any suggestions on how to make this difficult job easier?

Thanks!
Andy

Actually, the fact that you used poly bushings makes this a very simple job once you have the control arms off the car.

1. Unbolt the bushing retainers and jerk the cross shaft back and forth until the inner sleeves start to come out. Grab them with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull them out.

2. Pull out the bushings. You can do them by hand although you might need to start them by levering them out with a small flathead screwdriver between the shell and the bushing.

3. Slide one end of the cross shaft as far into the bushing shell as it will go. On the other end of the cross shaft use a large flathead screwdriver as a lever between the end of the cross shaft and the bushing shell, apply just enough force to spread the control arm enough to allow the end of the cross shaft to clear the bushing shell. When you have the clearance, tap that end of the cross shaft with a rubber hammer and it will pop right out. (You don't even need to spread the control arm more than 1/4")

4. Reverse the procedure to install your new cross shafts. It takes longer to describe than to do.