a-arm removal

[jim coulter]

I'm re-doing the front end on my 71 vette. I've removed the spring and upper a-arm and shaft. Its sanded, painted, and has new bushings and ball joint installed. The problem is the lower a-arm. I've removed the two front bolts and the nut on the rear, but the arm wont budge. Does the rear bolt that goes through the frame thread thru the a-arm shaft, or just pass thru a hole? I've put the nut back on one full nut and tapped with a hammer,but it wont come out. I've tapped the a-arm itself up close to the shaft, but it wont budge. If it threads, I'll have to get another 1/2 drive extention, because with my swivel and two extentions it wont come up beside the water pump high enough to get my breaker bar or ratchet on it. Can't get to it from below everything is in the way, oil pan, fuel pump, frame ,etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scott81]

Jim,

First thing I would do is contact Van Steel and get their suspension video, cost is $20 but it's worth 10x that in time saving tips. I used it when I rebuilt my rear suspension, never done a job like that before and I completed it by myself...except for someone helping steady the diff & gas tanks when I put them back in. It's not a Hollywood production, but it gives you all the tricks.

 

[jim coulter]

Thanks Scott81, I'll look 'em up.

 

[Stingray6974]

Jim,
First, Do you have the arm supported and the spring restrained?
The bolt in the rear is NOT threaded. Unscrew the nut until it is even with the end of the bolt. Hit it with a hammer until you can drive it all the way out. How are you planning to lower the arm once it's loose?

Mike

 

[jim coulter]

The upper arm and spring are already out. I used a spring compression tool I borrowed from AutoZone. I just didnt want to tap too hard if that bolt was threaded through the a-arm shaft, which could have messed up the threads, then I wouldn't ever be able to get it out(short of a cutting torch) As long as its not threaded, I can hit it a little harder and see if it comes. Thanks