can you really replace control arm bushings w/o removing the control arm itself?

 

No, you can't

 

No. For as easy as the control arms are to remove, it's not even worth trying to think about.

 

Since they're that easy to do, would you come do mine please? I have a fully stocked bar

 

No problem. I've done it on several occasions. Provide airfare, lodging, and required tools, and I'll do your bushings in 4 hours flat. You can also simply ship me your car, as many have done, and I'll have it done and shipped back to you in a day.

Lars
Tuned by Lars Corvettes, Denver

 

Lol! Thanks, fellas.

 

Why would anyone let someone else do their control arm bushings and miss out on all that fun.

 

I was referring to the "rear" control(torque/trailing) arm bushings. In the GM shop manual for my '81, they're referred to as "control arms." I've used all three noun nomenclatures for this part. Sorry if I posted a confusing thread.

 

Sorry, I may be the only one that misunderstood the topic. In any case, I've done trailing arm bushings also and I'd say the degree of difficulty is comparable to replacing control arm bushings. Very doable, with patience.

 

Hi tj,
You can replace the trailing arm bushings in place if you leave the t-arm just where it is and remove the rest of the car.
Many people find it less work to remove the t-arm to replace the bushings and leave the rest of the car in place.
Regards,
Alan

 

I needed a good laugh. That's awesome.

To the OP: The answer is still no. Removing the trailing arm bolt is a rite of passage that every C3 Corvette "owner" must conduct to call themselves a owner (without the air quotes). It's like the "ring of fire" thing in the 'Finding Nemo' aquarium.

 

OK, Keith. I'm with that. Thanks again to all f/the input. Still a great site, only as good as it's members.

 

...and I just may try "pulling the body" to do these bushings, but next time. Lol!

 

In all honesty, Mr. Texas Jim, I was very concerned about my trailing arm bolts. It is a little constricted in there.

Some have had the difficulty of having the bolts frozen solid, leading to their having to cut them out. This is one of those "I wish I didn't have to spend the last 3 hours doing that" sort of tasks. Not impossible, but less than pleasant.

I was blessed with bolts that moved and, despite all the original concern, pulling the trailing arm bolts was a 15 minute exercise that made me wonder what all the hub-bub was about.

In replacing the bushings, you'll need to purchase a press. Or take them to a beer-friend that has a press.

Or you could go my route and take that as an AWESOME time to just get new offset trailing arms. And new bearing assemblies. And new u-joints. And a new rear spring. And rebuild the gas tank. And...well...you get the picture.

All the best!

 

Need mine done too, but having tasted the Yetti Stouts in Denver,..may drive out, have the rebuild done while I drink.

 

Just came back from the alignment shop with trailing arm bushings homework, only to stumble upon this topic... classic!

 

Too funny!!! Thanks!

I think some of these C3 jobs train you for either getting out of a maximum security jail cell or brain surgery, still not sure which yet!

 

Or, replace the bushings with poly. No press required! Use an air chisel to pound the old ones out.

 

Isn't this the same stuff you always end up doing when you attempt to retrieve the build sheet from the gas tank?

 

Smooth talker, you talked me right in to it. Swing by Tucson, and I'll drive up there. Plan an extra day or so to visit some of the local brewers that we have here too. I mean, if you're here......