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

Lower control arm bolt

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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 12:31 PM
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Default Lower control arm bolt

Down to the last bolt on the control arm. This is the back bolt. It is hitting the frame and not allowing it to be removed.
Do you cut it to remove?
Yes, I have the red shop manual. All it says is to remove bolt.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 12:43 PM
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I've done this three times. You dont cut it, think outside the box, wiggle and rotate the LCA around and pull-pull-pull. It will come off.

To re-install insert the bolt from the front and torque to specs.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:19 PM
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Seems too close to do. I will give it a try.
Thanks for your help.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
Seems too close to do. I will give it a try.
Thanks for your help.
It comes out, I have two C4s just like yours and my 92 was also a C4. I upgraded all to poly bushings.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 02:10 PM
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Remove the diagonal bracing that runs from the frame rail to the center of the engine cradle. 4 bolts (two 15mm, two 13mm), one nut (18mm) per side. Contrary to how it appears, these braces do not support the engine and can be removed with the engine in the car.

Last edited by 96GS#007; Apr 10, 2011 at 02:14 PM.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by PLRX
I've done this three times. You dont cut it, think outside the box, wiggle and rotate the LCA around and pull-pull-pull. It will come off.

To re-install insert the bolt from the front and torque to specs.
This is what I just did a couple days ago. You have to move the control arm around as you pull on the bolt and it will come out. Like PLRX said reinstall the bolt the opposite way.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
Down to the last bolt on the control arm. This is the back bolt. It is hitting the frame and not allowing it to be removed.
Do you cut it to remove?
Yes, I have the red shop manual. All it says is to remove bolt.
Ended up cutting bolt. Unable to move a arm and bolt enough to get out.
I can not get A arm out even with both bolts out. About pulled Vette off off jack stands tring to get this A arm out.
To you guys who can just wiggle out the back bolt, my hats off too you! I could not do it.
After 1 hour of prying and wiggling A arm, it is still not out. Taking a beer break.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
Ended up cutting bolt. Unable to move a arm and bolt enough to get out.
I can not get A arm out even with both bolts out. About pulled Vette off off jack stands tring to get this A arm out.
To you guys who can just wiggle out the back bolt, my hats off too you! I could not do it.
After 1 hour of prying and wiggling A arm, it is still not out. Taking a beer break.
2 beers will usually fix any problem. Try a 4 lb mallet and a prybar.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 04:06 PM
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I took three beers, and 4lber with pry bar sounds about right.
Going to be tough to get back in.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
I took three beers, and 4lber with pry bar sounds about right.
Going to be tough to get back in.
Another 4 beers and a torch.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 04:36 PM
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4 beers and torch would be dangerous for me and the Corvette at this time!
Tommorow is another day.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 04:59 PM
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Good grief. Just take off the diagonal cross-brace like I mentioned.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 05:21 PM
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I appreciate your help. I have already cut the bolt.
I am working on a concrete garage floor with a packing blanket underneath. I have managed to lift my Corvette about 8 inches off of the floor with stand at lowest setting, Corvette jack at lift point, and wooden blocks under x brace and 3 ton jack under front bumper frame.
I am 63 years old and have broken numerous bones on my body, living in constant pain.
With my situation and my jacking points I do not want to take anything else off.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
I appreciate your help. I have already cut the bolt.
I am working on a concrete garage floor with a packing blanket underneath. I have managed to lift my Corvette about 8 inches off of the floor with stand at lowest setting, Corvette jack at lift point, and wooden blocks under x brace and 3 ton jack under front bumper frame.
I am 63 years old and have broken numerous bones on my body, living in constant pain.
With my situation and my jacking points I do not want to take anything else off.
Richard, a tip for next time. Put the jack on the frame rail under one mirror. Jack the car up 16 inches or so. Place 2 jackstands one in front by the curved frame rail, one in back by the by the double frame joints. Go over to the other side and do the same. Car will be stable, and 16+ inches off the ground and you will have plenty of room to play underneath. Willie
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard G.
About pulled Vette off off jack stands
You are one strong ****.

whats done is done. I assume you tried this with the LCA's front bolt already out. Right?
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Old Apr 12, 2011 | 07:19 AM
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Yes, I should have had it higher. I made it tough on myself.
The front bolt was out when I tried
to get the back bolt out.
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