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I'm in the middle of restoring/rebuilding my chassis and the upper control arm shafts appear to be offset. Its what was on the car when I bought it. Its a 69' L46 that had 550 front springs etc. Complete suspension rebuild and using semi-coilovers. Now I do have another set that is not offset and has a bubble vs square attachment point. Which should I use??? I feel like the offset shafts might better suited for steering upgrades (able to get better caster). Also, how are the supposed to be oriented?
I should mention that the frame has been checked and is not sagging or anything. Dimensions are correct so no frame issues.
The offset shafts are Moog problem solvers. They are designed for more positive camber in case the frame has sagged. In your case where the frame is fine, they will still be fine and may help get a little added caster.
This is the part number on them. I thought I've seen Delco shafts that look the same. Will they have a negative impact on all new suspension? Which direction is the orientation of the offset?
Depends. If you need more positive camber, leave the shaft the way it's mounted now. If you need more negative camber flip the shaft around. If it were my car, I would put it together with the stock shaft, check where I'm at camber wise, and go from there. As you state, the frame is in good shape dimension wise, so the stock upper control arm shafts should be fine.
these cars simply do not have enough caster with the factory setup. you want to put them on to position them back. pull the upper A arms towards the rear of the car. with factory A arms and a ton of shims on the rear stud and none or almost none on the front stud your lucky to get 3.75 caster. you would like 6.
Last edited by 4-vettes; May 14, 2021 at 05:11 AM.
Rookie question: I have an extra set of stock shafts.
Just for the fun of it........(be kind )
Could I accomplish the same thing by re-machining the pair of straight shafts?
I would machine the shoulder 1/4" longer (red area) and use circular shims on each shoulder (red & blue).
This would allow me to move the upper control arm rearward the amount needed to get 6* caster.
(The 1/4" is a reference number...circular shims would be for fine-tuning the caster)
A much easier way to accomplish the same thing would be to elongate both stud holes rearward 1/4" and use internal spacers to maintain the offset.
Control Arm Shaft Offset/No Offset Question
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