Lower A-arm installation question.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,752
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Lower A-arm installation question.
I am ready to reinstall my front suspension. Woo-hoo!!! This is one part of my project where I didn't document my progress well enough. 
On the lower A-arms, there is a bar (for lack of a better term) that runs between the bushings. On the section of the bar with two holes, on one side the holes are recessed, on the other, they are raised. Which side goes toward the frame!? Does it matter? :confused: Any help would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, Just an update... I've installed my cam and lifters in my crate engine. I've painted the block, and aluminum intake (going for original appearance). All underhood brackets and suspension components have been blasted and painted, and the naked engine compartment has been cleaned up and given a fresh squirt of semi-flat black. The tranny is in the back of my truck right now. I'm dropping it off to be rebuilt today at lunch. If anyone has any questions on my swap, feel free to ask.
TIA,
On the lower A-arms, there is a bar (for lack of a better term) that runs between the bushings. On the section of the bar with two holes, on one side the holes are recessed, on the other, they are raised. Which side goes toward the frame!? Does it matter? :confused: Any help would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, Just an update... I've installed my cam and lifters in my crate engine. I've painted the block, and aluminum intake (going for original appearance). All underhood brackets and suspension components have been blasted and painted, and the naked engine compartment has been cleaned up and given a fresh squirt of semi-flat black. The tranny is in the back of my truck right now. I'm dropping it off to be rebuilt today at lunch. If anyone has any questions on my swap, feel free to ask.
TIA,
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
Re: Lower A-arm installation question. (e3pres)
Here is some before-hand pics of my '77. Check near the bottom - hopefully those are good enough for you to be able to tell. . . .
-terry http://www.bokonon.net/corvette/before_rebuild.html
-terry http://www.bokonon.net/corvette/before_rebuild.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 3
From: far, far away
Re: Lower A-arm installation question. (e3pres)
Adam,
that bar is referred to as the "bushing shaft". The "raised" side goes against the frame; the "recessed" side receives the bolt heads. Does that make sense? Yes, it does matter very much which way you put the shaft on.
Good luck! :seeya
that bar is referred to as the "bushing shaft". The "raised" side goes against the frame; the "recessed" side receives the bolt heads. Does that make sense? Yes, it does matter very much which way you put the shaft on.
Good luck! :seeya
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 451
Likes: 2
From: Toronto On
Re: Lower A-arm installation question. (e3pres)
I just finished the same process, and I had the same question.
Looking at it practically, I decided that the raised side should go towards the frame.
In this way, there wouldn't be a gap caused by the shaft on the recessed side.
The frame is in direct contact with the bolt holes, and you can torque it down tight.
You might also be able to see the pattern of the bolt on the shaft, if they were rusted and pitted like mine were.
I think the front bolts are 50lbft, and the back is 90, but check your manuals.
Looking at it practically, I decided that the raised side should go towards the frame.
In this way, there wouldn't be a gap caused by the shaft on the recessed side.
The frame is in direct contact with the bolt holes, and you can torque it down tight.
You might also be able to see the pattern of the bolt on the shaft, if they were rusted and pitted like mine were.
I think the front bolts are 50lbft, and the back is 90, but check your manuals.
