Control arms and spring
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Ardsley Pa
Control arms and spring
How hard is it to replace upper and lower control arms and the front spring? I have new arms with new ball joints ready to go. Is this something I can do, or better off letting a shop do it. I installed the rear suspension myself with no problems. I just don't know about the front. 
Anyone want to come over and help...I have the beers 
Anyone want to come over and help...I have the beers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
This was my first real project with my 80, so while it's time consuming, it's not particularly hard if I managed it!
The hardest part for me was getting the right upper arm off. Had to remove the cold air intake, unbolt the AC compressor (but not disconnect from system) and take the bolts off (but not remove) the fan shroud.
I would definitely recommend getting a local shop to press in the new bushings, if your new arms and ball joints don't have new bushings too. I went with fully refurbed arms from VBP.
If you don't have a shop manual for your year GET IT. I used to to figure out 95% of what had to be done. And either get a pickel fork set or a really big hammer when it comes time to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckles!
The hardest part for me was getting the right upper arm off. Had to remove the cold air intake, unbolt the AC compressor (but not disconnect from system) and take the bolts off (but not remove) the fan shroud.
I would definitely recommend getting a local shop to press in the new bushings, if your new arms and ball joints don't have new bushings too. I went with fully refurbed arms from VBP.
If you don't have a shop manual for your year GET IT. I used to to figure out 95% of what had to be done. And either get a pickel fork set or a really big hammer when it comes time to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckles!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Be careful while removing the spring, make sure it's held firm in the spring compressor, that's the biggest danger.
I used a hammer to break the ball joints free, the fork can tear the rubber boots on the ball joints.
I was able to install the new bushings with a friends help, but I recommend getting a shop to do it if you've never done it before.
I used a hammer to break the ball joints free, the fork can tear the rubber boots on the ball joints.
I was able to install the new bushings with a friends help, but I recommend getting a shop to do it if you've never done it before.
