Just to verify - Can I use any year (64 to 72) front upper and lower control arms on any year (64-72) Buick A-body? I am not worried about "correct" for a restoration but for form, fit and function?
I think there have been a few threads about this posted within a few months. Maybe someone can post a link. Also for the front lowers (at least 70-72) some had oval while others had round bushings. Duane
64-65 front uppers had screw-in metal bushings, not rubber, with unique shafts. 66-? had shafts with bolts to retain the bushings, later ones had different shafts with nuts to hold the bushings in place. I believe the arms are the same otherwise. Here's a great site with info on the various suspension differences: https://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/control-arms-version-2/gm-a-body-64-72
Believe there were two different round bushing diameters on the pre-oval lowers as well. Have some southern NM front control arms in the classifieds (parts for sale) section.
Also, I have seen where some 72 uppers have a different shaft then the 68-71 style. They have a small headed bolt that holds the washers on instead of the large nut like the earlier ones. Some 72's also use different headed bolts to install the front lowers to the frame. Duane
While we are at it, any opinions on the off set upper shafts? Seems like that's all shops sells these days.
From the lever family - lowers: "All three styles are interchangeable and fit all GM A-Body cars 64 thru 72." So as long as your have the correct bushing in the matching arm, its good. and uppers: "1) There are no difference in the arms themselves 2) Both styles are interchangeable on these cars and arms."
I have always used the offset upper shafts. They give you a bit more shim space, to compensate for the big block’s weight making the front frame “sag” from all those years of sitting there. Duane
If you are doing a 69 car, then any 68-72 control arms will work. If you use ones from those years then if you order the bushings for your correct model year, they will be correct. The only thing you need to decide is if the bottoms have oval or round bushings. Also if you use the 68-71 style bolts/nuts to mount them, they will look correct. Duane
This for my 67 special wagon. I have collected a complete set from various years and I hope to powder coat and rebuild them. I was checking to make sure they would work for a 67. It sounds like they will. Thanks!
