C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Front Upper Control Arm Replacement

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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 02:46 AM
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Default Front Upper Control Arm Replacement

Anyone have a link with directions on how to R&R control arms as well as bushings for a C4. Bought one from a guy and he said it had a ball joint loose. Turns out the bushings had worn and he was grinding his control arm on the shock.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 09:40 AM
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Might be easier to just go to a yard (or EBAY) and buy a used one. They only make replacement bushings in urethane, and you'll need to do both sides. 87 down is a different part.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 09:42 AM
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I did the bushings a while back. These aren't the greatest pictures, but they should give you some idea. http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f234/TPeye/
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 05:17 PM
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I agree with zr1fred. I swapped the rear bushings with urethane bushings and DO NOT like them, too rough a ride.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 11:03 PM
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 03:24 AM
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Don't have any pics on how to remove them, but here's how those tricky bushings get replaced. It's a puzzle for sure.

http://webpages.charter.net/khasting.../bushings.html
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 03:26 AM
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Originally Posted by 89 Bob L
I agree with zr1fred. I swapped the rear bushings with urethane bushings and DO NOT like them, too rough a ride.
Did you do it right and check for binding? Shave bushings as needed to prevent binding?


Or just tighten the bolts down and go? This will get you a suspension that binds up unevenly and rides stiff as hell.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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I did shave the bushings and checked for the binding. I will re-check for the binding. Thanks fo the tip.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 02:56 PM
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Make sure the inner sleeve is clamped down when torquing the bolt to spec, and the bushing is free to rotate. The ID and sides of the bushing should be lubed, but it's a good idea to lube the OD also. Instead of narrowing the bushing shoulders, I narrowed my suspension parts on a grinder. Most people probably wouldn't be up for this though. It's possible some of the binding issues are due to poor GM tolerances on the aluminum parts. Could also be that the original rubber is just more plyable and doesn't bind up even though it's a bit wider than the inner sleeve.

Last edited by CentralCoaster; Jul 24, 2007 at 02:58 PM.
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 12:02 PM
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Thanks for the tip. I'll check the bushings just after it comes out of the tranny shop.
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