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Topic: Upper 'A' Arm removal

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 4:18pm Message 1 of 9
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Grandville, MI - USA
Joined: 5/8/2004
Posts: 140
Vette(s): 1968 427/390 Coupe
I'm in the middle of removing the upper and lower "A" arms and the upper are giving me a little trouble and thought I moght be missing a big step. I have the spindle removed and the two bolts removed on the upper "A" arm but I cannot slide it off those long bolts. I hope I dont have to pull the engine to do this. Someone please telling me what I'm doing wrong. |withstupid|


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Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 5:43pm Message 2 of 9
Former Member
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
It's a fairly tight fit and needs to come off straight. Time and a little rust are about all that should be holding it. Shoot some PB Blaster at the bolts and let it sit. Take a block of wood and tap on the ball joint end, it should work loose.


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 6:09pm Message 3 of 9
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
If you need more room to take the a frame out the alignment bolts have splines on them.You can knock them out just be carefull on the threads,or lift the a frame up you can see the bolts in the frame put the air gun on them to break them loose


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 6:25pm Message 4 of 9
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Grandville, MI - USA
Joined: 5/8/2004
Posts: 140
Vette(s): 1968 427/390 Coupe
Ok I got it, one side that is. Now I can't seperate the ball joint on the drivers side, I'm using a ball joint seperator tool and a heavy hammer but it's not coming apart. any thought other than a bigger hammer?


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 7:23pm Message 5 of 9
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CONCORD, MA - USA
Joined: 6/12/2002
Posts: 185
Vette(s): 78 Silver Anniversary (2 Tone) L82 auto loaded
Bigger hammer is the key!
Steve |wavey|


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 7:25pm Message 6 of 9
Former Member
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
If it's the upper ball joint release your jack some to put some downward pressure on it,sometimes a balljoint fork won't work,you must hit the upper spindle knuckle to break it loose


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/7/04 7:28pm Message 7 of 9
Former Member
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Grandville, MI - USA
Joined: 5/8/2004
Posts: 140
Vette(s): 1968 427/390 Coupe
Lynne, it's the upper ball joint, I better get a bigger hammer


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/13/04 1:18am Message 8 of 9
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san jose, CA - USA
Joined: 12/16/2003
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 1978 SA
i just did mine. Get a tie rod/ ball joint breaker, you should be able to rent one at any auto parts store. Move the radiator shroud out of the way to lift a- arms out.


Upper 'A' Arm removal

Posted: 12/13/04 11:58am Message 9 of 9
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
also.. one thing ive found that helps..

if you have a second hammer to place on the other side of the joint. you dont strike with it.. just hold it against the back.. this forces the socket to expand in the perpendicular direction better.


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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