Control Arm Disassembly - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68az_pickup · 12-18-2013, 11:51 AM

I'm getting my whole frame for my truck powder coated soon and I have everything completely stripped except I can figure out how to get the shaft out of the lower control arm.

I would really appreciated any advice you guys have on the subject. Thanks!

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 12-18-2013, 12:52 PM

Screw the large hex ends out of the arm. When going back measure the distance from the hole to the arm on each side & turn the shaft to get it as close to even as possible.

mr48chev · 12-18-2013, 02:27 PM

I'd suggest replacing the shafts with new ones unless they are very low mile in great shape. You have it down that far it's time to rebuild the whole front end before going back together with it.

csfields · 12-18-2013, 03:33 PM

I agree... Replace them. If you can afford powder coating you can afford to replace the lower control arm components. Unless again, they have been replaced recently.

davepl · 12-18-2013, 03:36 PM

I don't know, I err'd on the side of replacing every wear item, but mine were minty. If the truck has been kept greased, they should be like new. If it wasn't maintained, you'll know. Heck, they could be seized. They are hard to get off if you've not done it before. I wound up buying huge impact sockets after a 10-foot breaker bar and my 220lb frame couldn't loosen one of them...

If you're going to buy new ones, at least buy American. They do, after all, help hold your wheel on and your truck up in the air!

[Edit: This is on a 3/4 or 1 ton front end - no idea what the girly-man car-frames are like [/troll]]

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 12-18-2013, 05:23 PM

I just assumed you were going back with new ones.
I agree with PL, if they are not wore out don't mess with them. They don't always go back like they should.

12-18-2013, 11:51 AM	#1
68az_pickup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4	Control Arm Disassembly I'm getting my whole frame for my truck powder coated soon and I have everything completely stripped except I can figure out how to get the shaft out of the lower control arm. I would really appreciated any advice you guys have on the subject. Thanks!

12-18-2013, 12:52 PM	#2
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,190	Re: Control Arm Disassembly Screw the large hex ends out of the arm. When going back measure the distance from the hole to the arm on each side & turn the shaft to get it as close to even as possible.

12-18-2013, 02:27 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,284	Re: Control Arm Disassembly I'd suggest replacing the shafts with new ones unless they are very low mile in great shape. You have it down that far it's time to rebuild the whole front end before going back together with it. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

12-18-2013, 03:33 PM	#4
csfields Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Elizabethtown, Kentucky Posts: 321	Re: Control Arm Disassembly I agree... Replace them. If you can afford powder coating you can afford to replace the lower control arm components. Unless again, they have been replaced recently. __________________ Thanks, Casey 71 Chevy C-10 SWB 350/400 PS, PB The Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584045 The Brake Upgrade http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695699

12-18-2013, 03:36 PM	#5
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Control Arm Disassembly I don't know, I err'd on the side of replacing every wear item, but mine were minty. If the truck has been kept greased, they should be like new. If it wasn't maintained, you'll know. Heck, they could be seized. They are hard to get off if you've not done it before. I wound up buying huge impact sockets after a 10-foot breaker bar and my 220lb frame couldn't loosen one of them... If you're going to buy new ones, at least buy American. They do, after all, help hold your wheel on and your truck up in the air! [Edit: This is on a 3/4 or 1 ton front end - no idea what the girly-man car-frames are like [/troll]] __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

12-18-2013, 05:23 PM	#6
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,190	Re: Control Arm Disassembly I just assumed you were going back with new ones. I agree with PL, if they are not wore out don't mess with them. They don't always go back like they should.



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