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1/26/2014 8:49 AM  #1


Upper control arms

Well I finished removing all the front suspension on the stang yesterday. Any tips on getting the shafts out of the upper control arms??? I planned on reusing my upper arms. Already got the shaft kit and new ball joints. Just can't get the nuts off the control arm shaft. There is a lot of rust on them. I don't see that the PO welded them. So that's not the issue. Thanks.


1966 Mustang Fastback K-Code,289,T-5, 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears.
 

1/26/2014 11:30 AM  #2


Re: Upper control arms

http://www.mustangsteve.com/msFAQsuspension.html
My technique to remove the big nuts...  Place the 1-1/4" hex nut in your securely mounted vise on the workbench, with the shaft sticking straight up.  Then get a long pry bar (piece of pipe) and stick it through the control arm and use it as a big lever to rotate the control arm to loosen the shaft.  Notice the pry bar in Deb's hand, getting ready to remove the second nut on that control arm in the picture.



 


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

1/31/2014 3:35 PM  #3


Re: Upper control arms

Thanks Steve. The tips did the trick. Got the a arms taken apart. My question now, is there any tips on telling if they can be rebuilt? The threads on the arm where the shaft/bushing go are a little worn. I'll post some pics later.

Last edited by Tmac (1/31/2014 3:35 PM)


1966 Mustang Fastback K-Code,289,T-5, 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears.
     Thread Starter
 

1/31/2014 8:57 PM  #4


Re: Upper control arms

Put them back together and weld the  nuts on per my web page.  it actually does you a favor if the threads are stripped because then you can position them where they do not bind on the threads.

The fine threads are actually a double lead thread.  There are two sets of threads, side by side, so the helix is the same as the coarse threads on the shaft.  That way they thread together at the same rate on the coarse threads AND the fine threads.  Stripped out works fine if you tack weld them. 

The ones that have good threads and you cannot rotate the shaft in the nuts when you reassemble them are the ones you will hear squeaking, even with grease in them.  The nuts bind up and try to tighten like a bolt clamping two parts together.  But a bolt doesn't have to rotate.  If they are in a bind, rapid wear will result.  Stripped threads let you rotate them for best fit before welding.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

Board footera


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