Front Lower Control Arm Install Tips?

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by Tomahawk, Aug 9, 2019.

  1. Tomahawk

    Tomahawk Platinum Level Contributor

    On the 72 Riviera, I replaced the old rubber bushings with polyurethane, but am not able to get the lca's back in.

    It seems like it's supposed to be an interference fit and I've tried hammering and jacking it into place, but could only get the rear hole lined up. Are there any tricks to make this easier?

    Also, the original bolts were rusty so I plan to replace both the bolt and nut with grade 8 fasteners. Is this okay or is there something special about the original hardware?

    Thanks! Matt
     
  2. Tomahawk

    Tomahawk Platinum Level Contributor

    20190809_181346.jpg

    I'm not sure which was more effective: removing the knuckle which gave better access, or greasing the inside of subframe brackets and outsides of the bushings. Either way, that was way more difficult than anticipated
     
  3. Bygblok

    Bygblok Well-Known Member

    I had trouble getting mine in because the mounting ears had been pulled in over the years from bolt tension. I bought a good piece of allthread, got some big structural washers and nuts and used it to spread the ears back out. Still a good tight fit but better than looking at it for three days being pissed!
     
  4. Tomahawk

    Tomahawk Platinum Level Contributor

    Bygblok, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Hammering, floor and bottle jacks, grease, and nearly infinite swearing didn't work on the passenger side yesterday.

    To be honest, I wasn't sure if this would work because the brackets looked square enough but I moved each one out about 2 mm and the lca slid in without a problem!

    Thanks again!
     
    Bygblok likes this.
  5. Bygblok

    Bygblok Well-Known Member

    glad it worked for you Matt! That's what these forums are for buddy!!!
     

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