I am refreshing all the suspension on the 72 Skylark convertible. I have it all pulled off, cleaned and painted. Uppers are done, but I need some advice for the lowers. Does anybody have information for the best way to install the lower control arm bushings? And the lower ball joints? These press in. Is there a special tool to use? Any advice would be helpful. Pictures would be great. Haven't done this for many years, and my brain quit working since the last time. Thank you.
Rent a tool like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP2p--b9KGI I am sure a similar tool can be used for the low control arm bushings. GM used different bushings in the LCA's. Some were oval, other round.
If changing the SHELL and BUSHING, get a piece of iron pipe the length of the gap between the A-arm section where the bushing is , cut it in half (2 C's) and another piece larger and longer than the OD of the bushing shell, and press it out with a 6 " clamp or hydraulic press. If just changing the Bushing, use a FLAME wrench to burn out the rubber. (WARNING: The inner bushing sleeve CAN become a projectile!!!), Clean it up after flame. Either above case; use the 2 C's and a flat piece of steel to push in the new bushing (and shell) with press or C-clamp
There's another brand? :laugh: I dont think Snap On makes one for the lowers anymore. I have a vintage Kent Moore tool that does them though.
Got it guys. Thanks. I already had the old bushings and ball joints out. I did cut a pipe to make the "C" to keep the control arm straight. I welded a pipe to a piece of flat iron to lay the bushing/ball joint over, and used my press to press them in. No problems and best of all, no cost!!!!!
Some pictures Home made tools used Used this under the ball joint, put flat piece on top and pressed in place. I put the bushings in this way. and put this in the press.
