I need to replace the upper control arm bushings. Just the upper as the bottom are OK (been replaced), per my alignment guy.  DO i need to compress the spring before removal of the control arm?

Absolutely...if you don't you'll play hell getting the bolts out and if you do get them out, when you pull the arms the springs will sprung since the springs sit in pockets on the upper and lower arms.

 I have a tool if you need it
JimG38934.611412037

[QUOTE=JimG] Absolutely...if you don't you'll play hell getting the bolts out and if you do get them out, when you pull the arms the springs will sprung since the springs sit in pockets on the upper and lower arms.

 I have a tool if you need it
[/QUOTE]

Hey Jim... I just took them out without the spring compressor... on mine the control arms are seperate from the spring.  The bottom arms would need the compressor from what i see...The uppers came out easily, and even the bolts came out easy. I did remove the fan shroud as I had to replace my water pump too. Will also put in a new  fuel pump, and power steering pump while they are easy to get to... 

2 cruzn38934.6654398148

Cool..

Didn't realize there was that much difference... Hmmm..Learn something new everyday...

 I need to go relook mine because of the ride height tomorrow. I guess I was wrong on how the springs sit..

 Then I'm off to Belvoir again until next weekend...<sarcasm>yeah...</sarcasm>

 

[QUOTE=JimG]Cool..

Didn't realize there was that much difference... Hmmm..Learn something new everyday...

 I need to go relook mine because of the ride height tomorrow. I guess I was wrong on how the springs sit..

 Then I'm off to Belvoir again until next weekend...<sarcasm>yeah...</sarcasm>

 
[/QUOTE]

That's what I love about this site... learn something every day...  you planning on going in the fall to sky-line drive again?

2 cruzn38934.7707060185

Yeah if she holds together..I've gotta fix the Tie Rod Ends and maybe replace/rebuiild the steering box....

 Oh and I found out today I need to rebuild my carb and replace the jets...It's running way rich accrding to the Dyno guy..

 Results from the dyno...211.66 RWHP... 256.02 Max Torque

 

I think Jim must have the upper arms confused with the lower arms.
It's the lower arms that have the springs in them. The uppers am just along for the ride.
You do need to support the lowers while removing the uppers, tho, or the spring tension will cause quite a scare if the lower arm "pops" while unseating the upper ball-joint!
Glad to hear you got them out OK, Ray!

Yup they went like a charm actually... one good smack with the old brass hammer and they popped out... now need to replace the ball joints and clean them up a bunch... get alignment... and will be back in business... 2 cruzn38934.9080671296

How hard was it to get the old bushings out and the new ones in?

[QUOTE=LukesVette]How hard was it to get the old bushings out and the new ones in?[/QUOTE]

Hey Paul.. how U been... I appreciate your advice on the trailing arms...?

I have not attempted that as yet, but i have access to a press at work. I hear if you have a press it's not that difficult. I don't think getting mine out will be difficult as the rubber is almost out now... I will let you know. I also intend to clean them and sand-blast and paint them before re-assembly. I will probably take some photos...