Hello Everyone,
I have disassembled the front suspension on my 72 Vette,had all the bushings , ball joints, etc. replaced. Now , I am not sure how to position the A-arms to get the correct angles. As the cross shaft bolts are tightened the movement of the arms are limited so, what is the procedure to remount the upper and lower a-arms? Also, what is the correct torque specs for the cross shaft bolts( the ones on the ends)? Should these be torqued after everything is re-installed or before?
Any advice, suggestions,help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

I am assuming that you have the A-Arms removed from the vehicle, and that the steering nuckles and other components are all assembled. You must loosen all of the bolts on the cross shafts, so that you can turn them by hand, allowing easier positioning. If you have an internal type spring compresser, you need to compress the spring and insert the correct way in the shocker tower. then attach the top A-Arm, followed by the bottom one. Then tighten the lower A-Arm bolts (Cross shaft to frame only). Follow this up by inserting the shims on the top A-Arm, and tighten those bolts. Then it is a matter of slowly releasing the spring compressor, and lowering the vehilcle to the ground. you then need to re torque the bolts, as follows. Upper control arm pivot to frame bolts/nuts - 55 ft/lbs, Upper control arm shaft bolts - 60 ft/lbs. Lower control arm shaft to cross member, front bolt- 70 ft/lbs, rear bolt - 95 ft/lbs.

If you are like me, and you could nto find anyonne that actually sold an internal type spring compressor, do the top A arm first, then comprsee the spring.. however you can, and secure. Then position the spring in the lower A-Arm, and using a trolley jack, or some other means, position the lower A-arm, and tighten the mounting bolts. Then loosen the spring slowly (avoiding crushed fingers and the like). And re torque the bolts and nuts once on the ground.

I hope this helps... All i remember from doing the front of my 76 was sitting in the shed, sweating and swearing, until i finally managed to get everything to line up. Good luck.

 

Anyone else?

 

Don't tighten those end bolts where the bushings are until everything is done and the car has settled. Your car will sit high if you tighten them to early. After you have everything installed roll the car back and forth about 10 ft or so and it will settle.