Best method for removing front lowering bolts
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 4
From: Ringgold GA
Best method for removing front lowering bolts
I've removed the bushings and let the front down as low and it'll go with the stock bolts in. I need about 1/2" more drop in the front so what is the best method for taking the front bolts completely out?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 7
From: Redding CA
I took mine out and put em' back in cause the shock travel was zero and the ride sucked!
BUT...
If you want to do it, I remember at the time there were a couple of guys that said that they screwed the bolt out or "up" as far as it would go until the bushing was riding right against the leaf spring.
Then using a big pry bar, pry up on the leaf spring while someone else unscrews the bolt all the way.
It'll be easier with the front wheels off the ground and no weight on the wheels.
I didn't want to risk the pry bar moving while a hand was in there so I dropped my lower A-arm and did it that way(a lot more time but not bad if you have an air compressor anyway). In order to do it the "safe" way, you have to take the caliper off, disconnect the shock, sway bar and drop the ball joint end of the A-arm down far enough to be able to unscrew the lowering bolt.
Good luck!
DZ
BUT...
If you want to do it, I remember at the time there were a couple of guys that said that they screwed the bolt out or "up" as far as it would go until the bushing was riding right against the leaf spring.
Then using a big pry bar, pry up on the leaf spring while someone else unscrews the bolt all the way.
It'll be easier with the front wheels off the ground and no weight on the wheels.
I didn't want to risk the pry bar moving while a hand was in there so I dropped my lower A-arm and did it that way(a lot more time but not bad if you have an air compressor anyway). In order to do it the "safe" way, you have to take the caliper off, disconnect the shock, sway bar and drop the ball joint end of the A-arm down far enough to be able to unscrew the lowering bolt.
Good luck!
DZ
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Akron Ohio
You may be able to get them by jacing the car up and putting a jackstand under the spring, then all of the weight will pushing the spring up and the suspension will be hanging free of it. Otherwise drop the a arm, it only takes about 20min to drop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 379
From: South Florida FL
remove the spindle, its just the upper and lower ball joint and tie rod.
the extra work is worth not fighting with the spring.
you can probably even just remove the lower ball joint but the spindle might get in your way
the extra work is worth not fighting with the spring.
you can probably even just remove the lower ball joint but the spindle might get in your way
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I just backed off the lowering bolts all the way with only the front wheels off the ground. Nothing else taken apart. I did not cut the rubber bushing so there was no reason to remove them. This bolt normally doesn't rust but rather the rubber bushing against the lower a-arm has enough friction to make turning the bolt difficult. Nice instructions. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
If you don't care about the bolts/bushings, couldn't you cut them off below the spring (reciprocating saw?) and remove the remaining portion out the top?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
After you've lifted the front end put a jack stand under each leaf spring at the lower control arm. Once you've removed the wheel, undo the two bottom bolts that hold the shock to the lower control arm. This will allow the control arm to swing down freely and provide you room to remove the bolt. You can lower the car more than the stock bolts if you purchase a set of aftermarket ones that don't have the big bushing the original ones do. Not a good idea to go any lower unless you install coilovers as the ride will be very rough and handling will be a lot worse.
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Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 11
From: Volo, IL
I ended up removing them by taking the upper ball joint loose since I couldn't get the bottom one to break free. Then like others have suggested, pry up on the leaf as you loosen the bolt all the way out. I did this all myself, it was tricky but I got it done. My car still handles like it is on rails with the bolts removed, even on 120k mile stock shocks. Not sure what problems the others are having handling-wise. The only issue is a little bit of noise/creaking while turning at slow speeds from the leaf riding directly on the a-arm.
