A-Frame
 

I have a 1981 chevy 1/2 ton short box, L6 250 4spd manual...

The A-frame is Gone! there is a huge crack on both sides and i have some inside tire wear! and i have a 1984 Gmc Pickup half ton, long bed, A-frame is Alot better! and i am wondering is it a real PITFA to swap A-frames?
Thanks, Nick

Re: A-Frame
 

what do you mean by a-frames?

Re: A-Frame
 

A frames would be control arms would it not? Not really that hard to do the swap........David

Re: A-Frame
 

that's what i thought he meant, but he still hasn' verified that

Re: A-Frame
 

not that hard, but while you have everything torn apart might as well replace all bushings and ball joints, tie rods, pitman arm, and idler arm.. just for good measure..

Re: A-Frame
 

Yea, control arms, and okay, i got some bushings.. and i need a ball joint.. and i dont have a torch.. still do-able?

Re: A-Frame
 

i took the control arms to a shop and had them change those bushings..$100 for all 4.. the rest i didnt need a torch for..

Re: A-Frame
 

I pressed my own bushings in my Cutlass A-arms. But I have access to a press.

Probably could of gotten it done though using a large vise. A good trick is to put the bushings in the freezer over night. The bushing will shrink a bit and allow just a little easier installment.

It's not all that tough, just time consuming if it is your first time.

Re: A-Frame
 

The real pain to this project, is whether or not you will need new parts (balljoints, steering knuckles, sway bar end pieces, etc) These have a tendency towear out or rust tight. As for changing the A-Frame--it is easy unless the front spring kicks your butt. You can use a floor jack and a block to loosen and reset the spring into the pockets. Just get everything loose but keep the nuts on the spindles---then tap the spindles with a hammer and the spring will force the balljoints out from their swedged seats. Then set the lower A-frame onto the block and take the nuts loose and raise the truck slowly allowing the lower A-frame to stay on the block and seperate the front suspension.

Re: A-Frame
 

i did something similar except i supported the truck and used the jack to lower the lower control arm SLOWLY... until the spring was free.. just be careful as the spring can pack a big punch..

Re: A-Frame
 

Here's more information regarding the ball joints and CA bushings replacement: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=189574.

Re: A-Frame
 

***ALWAYS**** loop a chain through the upper half of the spring and down through the lower arm. If the spring got away from you it could seriously injure you or someone else nearby