C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

[Rich C.]

Anyone with a C-3 big block ever accomplish removing the upper control arms with the engine in place? It looks like another good time!!!

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 3/4 years
Otter Creek Copper Ale, currently on tap!

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Anyone with a C-3 big block ever accomplish removing the upper control arms with the engine in place? It looks like another good time!!!

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 3/4 years
Otter Creek Copper Ale, currently on tap!

Rich------


I've removed the right side upper with the engine in place. I have not done the left side, but I think it would be about the same. The studs that retain the a-arm shaft to the frame have to be removed to get enough clearance.

[Gary R.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Rich
That is how I would do it too, drive out the studs. They have a kurl on them so I used new GM studs when I replaced the arms. Maybe Joe knows if they are still avail? The last time I bought them from my dealer I had to buy a batch of 10 and that was probably close to 10 years ago now.

[Michael G.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Anyone with a C-3 big block ever accomplish removing the upper control arms with the engine in place? It looks like another good time!!!

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 3/4 years
Otter Creek Copper Ale, currently on tap!

Tight would about describe the job. I've been there and done the passenger side. Studs do have to be driven out to get the control arm out. It can be done.....be patient.

[Bruce D.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

I have done both sides of a 74 big block as stated above by driving out the studs. we reused the studs and nuts in the rebuild after having all the rubber and bushings replaced. Yes it is tight, but can be done.

[Michael M.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Yes, it can be done. I've done it several times. When I re-installed the studs I used some red loctite on the shaft as insurance that the stud won't turn when the alignment guy needs to loosen the nut to adjust the shims.

[Terry M.]

[Rich C.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Thanks all, I was afraid of that, but .....beats pulling the engine!!!

'73 LS-4 454, 0wned 21 3/4 years

Otter Creek Copper Ale, currently on tap!

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Rich
That is how I would do it too, drive out the studs. They have a kurl on them so I used new GM studs when I replaced the arms. Maybe Joe knows if they are still avail? The last time I bought them from my dealer I had to buy a batch of 10 and that was probably close to 10 years ago now.

Gary-----


The bolts/studs are GM-discontinued. However, they are available from Dorman.

[Tom L.]

Re: C-3 Big Block, Upper Control Arm Removal...Looks Pretty Tight!

Since you've had the car so long I suspect that's where the homebrewing hobby came from. These cars with big blocks keep you scratching your head! You'll need a few Coppers to get you through it.

But seriously, I took mine out a few weeks ago, I had to hold the bolt under the a-frame with a socket on a small 3/8 drive breaker bar. It fit in nicely, wasn't a big job. Good luck!!