Lower A-arm bushing dimensions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,805
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From: Annapolis MD
Lower A-arm bushing dimensions
Anyone happen to have a C2/C3 lower A-arm apart at the moment, or one of the bushings setting on their shelf? I need the exact dimensions of the busing ID and OD, or the shaft diameter and A-arm hole bore.
Also, anyone know an easy way to pop a bushing back out? Just had my lower A-arms re-bushed and now find they won't work (for my non-stock suspension mods), so I need to get them back apart to mock-up some alternative ideas.
Also, anyone know an easy way to pop a bushing back out? Just had my lower A-arms re-bushed and now find they won't work (for my non-stock suspension mods), so I need to get them back apart to mock-up some alternative ideas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Chattanooga TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Re: Lower A-arm bushing dimensions (GregP)
I placed the a-arms in a vice and used a punch on the lip of the bushing. This worked really well, but it destroyed the bushing. That may be your only option. It just so happens that I have an extra set of upper and lower bushings. (I bought them, then decided just to buy a whole kit.) If you need some more, I'll cut you a deal on the whole set. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Wichita, KS
Re: Lower A-arm bushing dimensions (GregP)
I have a set of Energy Suspension bushings at home that I haven't installed yet. I'll measure and post the results after I get off of work in about 5 hours.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Popping out bushings
Try this. Use an air chisel with a "blunt end" bit. The bit looks like a 1/2" rod with a flat end (not any rod but one made for an air chisel). Apply the tool on the outside of the a-arm to the metal of the a-arm, not to the metal of the bushing, but right next to it. Since they are new bushings, they should pop right out. This trick works wonders when you are removing the bolts that hold the upper a-arm to the frame. As a matter of fact, you actually have to dodge the bolt as it flys out.
You can also remove the bushing in a hydraulic press. Place a steel sleeve (or socket) on the bottom. It must br larger than the bushing. Then the a-arm. Outside down. Put a bolt in the a-arm shaft, opposite end from the bushing you're removing. Carefully press on the bolt, using the bolt flange of the shaft to press out the bushing. I've popped the bushings from 3 cars this way and haven't damaged anything yet. Remember, they will move fairly easy with hydraulic pressure. If it doesn't move, it's not because it's stuck, it's the alignment of the pieces that has something jammed in a bind.
You can also remove the bushing in a hydraulic press. Place a steel sleeve (or socket) on the bottom. It must br larger than the bushing. Then the a-arm. Outside down. Put a bolt in the a-arm shaft, opposite end from the bushing you're removing. Carefully press on the bolt, using the bolt flange of the shaft to press out the bushing. I've popped the bushings from 3 cars this way and haven't damaged anything yet. Remember, they will move fairly easy with hydraulic pressure. If it doesn't move, it's not because it's stuck, it's the alignment of the pieces that has something jammed in a bind.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Wichita, KS
Re: Lower A-arm bushing dimensions (GregP)
I.D. of bushing 0.752 inch.
O.D. of metal case of bushing at largest dia. in the control arm 1.325 inch.
Hope these help. If you need any other measurements just let me know.
O.D. of metal case of bushing at largest dia. in the control arm 1.325 inch.
Hope these help. If you need any other measurements just let me know.
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Popping out bushings (Bubba65)
I've also used a tie-rod/ball joint separater that I can attach to my air chisel. Use the appropriate sized opening for the bushing diameter. Works like a charm---especially if you just put the metal sleeves in. Are you using rubber or poly for the bushings? The poly bushings will push right out....you probably need to press/drill the rubber ones out.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,805
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From: Annapolis MD
Re: Popping out bushings (1970 Stingray)
Thanks everyone.
I'll give the air chisel approach a try. I already thought of the ball joint separator, but none of the fittings I have has a wide enough jaw opening to span the bushing. I'm not too woried about trashing the bushings (they are only $5 each), but do think I'm going to reuse the shaft, not sure yet about the arm itself. I'd use a hydraulic press but alas I don't have room in the garage for one, and my arbor press is a little too small.
Thanks especially for the dimensions. I may end up building new tubular lower arms myself (since no one else does except the square tube Stainless Brakes ones), so need to see if I can find the appropriate size receiver tubing to press busihings into, or maybe I'll just use 3/4" sperical bearings.
-Greg
I'll give the air chisel approach a try. I already thought of the ball joint separator, but none of the fittings I have has a wide enough jaw opening to span the bushing. I'm not too woried about trashing the bushings (they are only $5 each), but do think I'm going to reuse the shaft, not sure yet about the arm itself. I'd use a hydraulic press but alas I don't have room in the garage for one, and my arbor press is a little too small.
Thanks especially for the dimensions. I may end up building new tubular lower arms myself (since no one else does except the square tube Stainless Brakes ones), so need to see if I can find the appropriate size receiver tubing to press busihings into, or maybe I'll just use 3/4" sperical bearings.
-Greg
