1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

[Gary S.]

Is there a technique that I am not figuring out that will allow me to tighten the upper Control arm cross shaft bolt located at the front of the car? The front suspension is completed, reinstalled and I left the cross shaft bolts slightly loose in order to settle the suspension. Once the car was off the jacks and stands I did multiple bounces so as to settle the control arms, bushings and cross shaft. Three of the four cross shaft bolts are now tightened with the exception of the left front one. The fan shroud is in the way - I can touch it but there isn't enough room to get a socket or even a wrench on it. I have tried from underneath, through the left wheel well and from the top. This one has me confused.

thank you in advance,

Gary S.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

I'll ask the question - how did you get it off?

[Gary S.]

Re: 1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

The bolts on the ends of the cross shaft are tight when you remove the control arms from the frame. Once on the work bench the bolts are loosened thus allowing access to the bushings. The Service Manual says to leave the bolts on the ends of the cross shaft loose until the car is sitting on its own weight and has been bounce a couple of times to settle the suspension. This is done, all bushings replaced and three out of four of the cross shaft end bolts are tight. Perhaps it was either my description or nomenclature that elicited no responses.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

I'm well aware it's tight in there. I was just thinking of the old Chilton's saying "Installation is the reverse of removal"; i.e. you got them out so you can get them in.

Getting a torque wrench in there is impossible.
However, using a box end wrench is possible though not fun. I have several different shapes of wrenches just for this type of purpose.
You'll have to use the "tight enough" school of torque for it.

[Gary S.]

Re: 1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

... using a box end wrench is possible though not fun. I have several different shapes of wrenches just for this type of purpose...

Your last comment triggered what I needed. Thank you. Inexpensive set just to get this one wrench. I wasn't even aware that the gear wrench was available in an adjustable head.

Thank you. Project is complete.

Gary S.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Control arm cross shaft bolt

Gary, I'm glad you figured it out. I have a similar GearWrench.

You never know when those may come in handy.