|
Author
|
Topic: Lower control arm removal question
|
Gary
Gearhead Posts: 702
From: Sarasota, Fla. USA
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 07-13-2001 07:01 AM
   
Have never tried this before and thought id ask, can you remove the lower control arm without removing the coil spring? I want to replace the concentric bolt and washer on lower conrol arms. Thanks
IP: Logged |
Jim Sams
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: Charlotte NC
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 07-13-2001 07:34 AM
I have changed the lower arms and I think you would have to remove the coil springs...
IP: Logged |
Gary
Gearhead Posts: 702
From: Sarasota, Fla. USA
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 07-13-2001 09:41 AM
Jim, now that I think about it if you can replace the ball joints without removing the coils, then you should be able to remove the lower control arm as the arm would be disconnected from the spindle assembly anyway.
IP: Logged |
John Z
Gearhead Posts: 260
From: Morgantown, WV
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 07-13-2001 11:46 AM
Right, the spring is between the upper control arm and the body. The lower control arm is connected to the body and the spindal. Shouldn't need to remove the spring.
IP: Logged |
Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 712
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 07-13-2001 12:53 PM
The shock will hold up the spring & upper control arm, so you should be OK. I usually put a piece of wood (2x4 should work) between the upper arm & the frame rail before I unload the front suspension.
IP: Logged |
Alkraut
Journeyman Posts: 24
From: Sidney, NY
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 07-13-2001 12:57 PM
The coil spring force is normally transmitted to the lower arm, through the spindle assembly. The lower arm can be removed with the spring in place, but the spring would have to be compressed first to relieve the force. Depending on the type of spring compressor, you may not need to remove the shock. Work with extreme care when you compress coil springs, and use the right spring compressor. I used an internal type which requires that the shock be removed. The coil redily can be removed at that point, so no work is really eliminated. Good luck.
Al
IP: Logged |
mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 4608
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 07-13-2001 01:58 PM
If the lower control arm needs servicing, there is a good chance that the spring saddles may as well. I'd be thinking of looking at the entire picture as this is an area that is a b*tch to keep visiting.
IP: Logged |
Gary
Gearhead Posts: 702
From: Sarasota, Fla. USA
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 07-13-2001 02:32 PM
Iv'e already replaced the whole front end and have installed the Pro-Motorsport 1-3/4" upper a-arm drop kit. Iv'e noticed that after doing all this work the front still sits very high but know when I first drive it it will settle. When I re-installed the lower control arms and bolts, I re-installed the bolts in the same direction in which they came out. Anyway, after looking over several cars the bolt heads face torward the front not like mine were. I want to remove them and put them in right even if it doesn't make any difference. Quite possibly that is one reason the front can't come down as low as it should. With a 460cid sit in there the front should come way down doing no mods, even more with this drop kit. I still have 4" from the fender lid to the top of the tire when it shouild be even or below.
I have progreesive rate big block coils (new).
Will put the bolts in the right direction and if that doesn't change anything I will wait and see what happens after I bounce the car some from the first drive since total restoration. From there I may cut a half coil at a time to get the ride height I want.
Thanks for all the replies 
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
