Topic: TORQUE SPECS FOR UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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I am brand new to this site. I joined because I'm replacing the upper control arms, upper and lower ball joints, and sway bar bushings on my 1980 'vette and am having a hard time finding the torque specs for the ball joints and sway bar bushings.
The upper a-arms were complete with bushings, bars and ball joints, no problem there. Connecting the ball joints to the nuckle (The end with the cotter pin.) I don't know how much torque to tighten them. I think that the upper ball joint to the nuckle is 42-47ft. lbs., but I couldn't find anything on the lower ball joint which must be more because it is beefier and the lower a-arm is much stouter than the upper. Also, have replaced the dry rotted stock sway bar bushings with poly ones from Ecklers. Wondering how much to torque them to also. ( I have the 1 1/8" dia. sway bar.)
Would greatly appreciate it if anyone could share with me if they have these numbers.
Thanks!
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Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Upper b-joint nut = 50ftlbs
Lower b-joint nut = 80ftlbs
Tighten an additional 1/16 turn if needed to align holes for cotter pins. Never loosen the nut to align the holes.
The stabilizer bar bolts should simply be tight...I don't know of any particular specs for them, unless they show in the AIM...
Welcome to C3VR!!
Lower b-joint nut = 80ftlbs
Tighten an additional 1/16 turn if needed to align holes for cotter pins. Never loosen the nut to align the holes.

The stabilizer bar bolts should simply be tight...I don't know of any particular specs for them, unless they show in the AIM...

Welcome to C3VR!!


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks so much!
Matt
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Upper b-joint nut = 50ftlbs
Lower b-joint nut = 80ftlbs
Tighten an additional 1/16 turn if needed to align holes for cotter pins. Never loosen the nut to align the holes.
The stabilizer bar bolts should simply be tight...I don't know of any particular specs for them, unless they show in the AIM...
Welcome to C3VR!!
[/QUOTE]
Just outta curiousity Joel...
Where did you find 'em? I didn't see them in my Assembly manual. Of course, I was in a rush..
Lower b-joint nut = 80ftlbs
Tighten an additional 1/16 turn if needed to align holes for cotter pins. Never loosen the nut to align the holes.

The stabilizer bar bolts should simply be tight...I don't know of any particular specs for them, unless they show in the AIM...

Welcome to C3VR!!


Just outta curiousity Joel...
Where did you find 'em? I didn't see them in my Assembly manual. Of course, I was in a rush..
Lifetime Member #73
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Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Well, Jim...the specs are listed in the service manuals. They are also in the AIM, but not necessarily in the section on suspension assembly, tho it will list torque specs on certain items, such as screws...
The info on castellated nuts/studs/bolts is found in the front of the AIM, but I don't have mine here right now, so I can't specify which section...
I got these(the above) particular specs from my 'puter program for vintage cars...
The info on castellated nuts/studs/bolts is found in the front of the AIM, but I don't have mine here right now, so I can't specify which section...

I got these(the above) particular specs from my 'puter program for vintage cars...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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