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Old 11-26-2018, 03:40 PM   #4
71CHEVYSHORTBED402
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,391
Re: Build front suspension before or after mounting the engine?

Quote:
Originally Posted by toolboxchev View Post
Not to difficult to do at all with the truck. I just did a complete front rebuild with Moog components in 2 days taking my time. Only thing I had to remove was the wheel wells, just for convenience sake, and to ease my back.

Jack stands are a must, the coils will not compress without them under the rear frame. The coils come out easily by just lowering a jack under the lower control arm. Of course you have to pop the ball joints loose. I made a very simple tool out of a large bolt and nut with a washer welded to it. Torch the old ball joint stud only, hit with cold water hose and torque the tool, POP! I could get you a pic of it if you like.

Had a local Chevrolet dealer do the alignment, they were more than happy to do the work. Drives like a dream.
Nice. I already pulled the suspension, I'm more curious about building it without an engine on the frame.

Any considerations for assembling the control arm shafts, other than to make sure the hole in the lower shaft faces 12 o-clock? By chance did you spot weld the shaft nuts onto the control arms? I don't know that there's a reason to, but the originals were spot welded. Some don't even know they exist, my parts guy swears they were never spot welded.
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Tony

71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C.

I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025
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