Control arm question..when to replace - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wahlie · 08-06-2009, 08:55 AM

Guys,
I've got the entire front end of my truck apart replacing steering/suspension. The PO had the truck sitting for some time so there is rust build up. With regards to the control arms, they are rusted but can be blasted back. If they are pitted, will that sacrifice integrity? what i'm asking is at what point should i say the hell with it and just replace them? there is a dent in the 1 upper arm on the end near the ball joint from trying to get the joint out. otherwise, no dents....

thanks,
Chris

my67chevytruck · 08-06-2009, 09:32 AM

depends on how severe the pitting is. upload a pic, and we will offer our suggestions/opinions.

big_al_71 · 08-06-2009, 10:22 AM

I just went thru this with my bucket and I opted to clean them up as I had already cleaned them last year when we rebuilt the truck replaced all ball joints cleaned them and painted them. I will put tubular arms when I do the big brake kit in the near future.

mclairmo · 08-06-2009, 12:55 PM

Depends on condition. I have seen them cracked where the ball joint installs and some installers damage them by using an air impact chisel to pop the old ball joint rivets off. Or they crack the arm by putting it a press to press in new bushings without supporting the arm. I bought new upper arms from the Truck Shop in Orange for dirt cheap but will rebuild by lower arms myself.

unclewatts · 08-06-2009, 09:06 PM

There is another thought here. Your life and the lives of others depends on a solid front end. Like brakes, if there is any doubt, replace with new ones. Just my $.02

08-06-2009, 08:55 AM	#1
wahlie Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: milford,ct Posts: 95	Control arm question..when to replace Guys, I've got the entire front end of my truck apart replacing steering/suspension. The PO had the truck sitting for some time so there is rust build up. With regards to the control arms, they are rusted but can be blasted back. If they are pitted, will that sacrifice integrity? what i'm asking is at what point should i say the hell with it and just replace them? there is a dent in the 1 upper arm on the end near the ball joint from trying to get the joint out. otherwise, no dents.... thanks, Chris

08-06-2009, 09:32 AM	#2
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Control arm question..when to replace depends on how severe the pitting is. upload a pic, and we will offer our suggestions/opinions. __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

08-06-2009, 10:22 AM	#3
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Control arm question..when to replace I just went thru this with my bucket and I opted to clean them up as I had already cleaned them last year when we rebuilt the truck replaced all ball joints cleaned them and painted them. I will put tubular arms when I do the big brake kit in the near future. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

08-06-2009, 12:55 PM	#4
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Control arm question..when to replace Depends on condition. I have seen them cracked where the ball joint installs and some installers damage them by using an air impact chisel to pop the old ball joint rivets off. Or they crack the arm by putting it a press to press in new bushings without supporting the arm. I bought new upper arms from the Truck Shop in Orange for dirt cheap but will rebuild by lower arms myself. Last edited by mclairmo; 08-07-2009 at 02:37 PM.

08-06-2009, 09:06 PM	#5
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Control arm question..when to replace There is another thought here. Your life and the lives of others depends on a solid front end. Like brakes, if there is any doubt, replace with new ones. Just my $.02 __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)



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