C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

[Mark P.]

Does anyone have any advice on a good way to install new bushings with a shop press ?

The 1963 Shop Manual shows Kent Moore tool J-7052 which look like a pipe sliced in half lengthwise. This tool supports the flanges on the A arms so they don't bend inwards when the bushings are pressed in. I am thinking of trying to fabricate something like this using 1 1/4" pipe but want to check first on this forum if there is an easier way.

I have large sockets to support the bottom of the A arm and to push the bushing in from the top.

[Bob W.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Mark If you do come up with a tool that works post some photos and info. I think in a different post Richard Mozzetta showed a photo of one or maybe add tool at the end of your post.

Bob

[Jim D.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Mark, I made my own out of some scrap pipe. Nothing fancy but they work great. I had to label them so I don't throw them into the scrap pile.

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Thanks Jim. What diameter pipe did you use ?

[David M.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Along with the support so you dont crush the control arms, use thermodynamics to your advantage. Toss the bushings in the freezer for 45 mins-hour. Gently heat the cleaned/prepped control arm bores just enough so you cant touch them and the heat has wicked into the surrounding area some. You only need ~175*f (+0/-25*) to get good expansion and not hurt the paint or powder coating. I have had this method work so well that all that was needed is some gentile persuasion with a 3lb hammer and appropriate sized socket to properly seat the bushings, no press or control arm support needed. Once cooled this interference fit will be factory tight. More importantly to me, you didnt wipe as much metal off the interfering surfaces as you would have at room temp. This method works well with a press too. Either way it makes for a smooth installation.

[Jim D.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Thanks Jim. What diameter pipe did you use ?

1 5/8" O.D. Since mine is galvanized, I probably used an old cyclone fence post.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

I like David's idea too.

I made mine out of old scrap pipe also. IIRC it was from a old birdfeeder stand.

[Gary R.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

I did as Jim D did and made some out of EMT,(electrical conduit). I don't use the press too much though, just final fitment.

[Bob W.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Richard Is a 12 ton press big enough for this job ?

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Richard Is a 12 ton press big enough for this job ?

Bob that should be way more than enough.

[Bob W.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Richard Thanks for the reply and photos .

[Mark P.]

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

I got the bushings in and everything went smooth. The conduit I used has an O.D. of 1 3/4"

Fabricating the support piece for the upper A-Arms and 2 support pieces for the lower A-Arms was pretty easy. Used my air cut-off tool to take an 1 1/8" section out then used vice jaws to make the support pieces more U-shaped by clamping on the curve on each side where I removed the section. A grinder and belt sander helped get everything to fit well and have flat edges.

I can turn all the shafts by hand but they have a bit of resistance which I hope is normal.

These supports pieces really helped make everything much more solid. Would not have wanted to press them in without them.

Putting the bushings in the freezer for a couple hours before helped them go in easier.

The first bushing I installed in each arm I used sockets and 1/2" extensions.

I noticed the 1963 Shop manual has a photo of the installation of the bushings on the lower arms and the shafts are installed incorrectly. the 2 hole flange needs to be on the same side as the ear for the sway bar. I have attached a photo.

I do have a couple questions. The upper A-arms are slightly asymmetrical. Do I have them facing the right way ? The drawing in the AIM seems to have them in this way but I am not sure. Also, when I bolt them to the frame, are the casting numbers facing inwards ? The shafts have a slight arc and they seem to fit in best this way.

[Gary B.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

...The shafts have a slight arc and they seem to fit in best this way.

Mark,

I thought the pivot shafts were supposed to be completely straight. Maybe others can confirm.

Could they have been bent by a previous owner?

Gary

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Control Arm Bushing Installation

Mark, Excellent fabrication of the support tools. Interesting error you found in the 1963 CSM. The shaft is definitely oriented wrong. Good catch!

Yes the shafts should be straight. Not sure how that may have happened. I'm wondering if they'll straighten when installed with shims and after torque, but don't tighten the bushing bolts until car is totally assembled. Any rubber bushing on the car should be left loose until the full weight is on the suspensions.

Yes the upper arms must be oriented properly. In your photo of the right side installed, it appears correct. That bump on the outer edge goes forward. Use your spindle as a test guide so when it's attached temporarily(without coil spring) to the ball joints you should see if it fits. If the arm is installed on the wrong side it should be quite noticeable. Here are some reference shots. Atypical parts and finishes but shows orientation.