Anyone here rebuilt the stock A-arms?

[k1rodeoboater]

I gotta rebuild my upper A arms at the very least, but I figure I probably should do the lowers as well since the boots don't hold any grease. How hard of a job is this to do?

[blackedoutharley]

If you know how to do the uppers the lowers will be no problem.

Just make sure the vehicle is safely on jack stands and remember the spring is under pressure and can be a killer if not handled properly.

[k1rodeoboater]

Well that's the thing....I don't know how to rebuild the uppers. I've seen the rebuild kits, but I don't know if thhey need to have the busings pressed in or what. I destroyed a set of 73 control arms trying to get the bushings out
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[chad64chevy]

i know what you mean k1 i had a set from a 76' that i screwed the threads up in them trying to get them out! i had to file them threads to straighten them and cut a 1/4-1/2 in off them! i have had to do the stock ones so i'm not help!!

[k1rodeoboater]

On the plus side...if you need to buy new stock arms CPP has them the cheapest of anyone. IIRC it's around $500 for both stock uppers and lowers

[blackedoutharley]

The upper shafts are "bolt in" meaning that the caps on the end (where you grease them) are threaded... loosen both sides and remove one cap then the other. The shaft will be able to be removed and you just reverse the process to install.

I am assuming that you have the '63-'66 style arms.

The lowers are the same but remember that the spring is held in by the lower arm so it is under pressure. I would also recommend replacing the ubolts on the lowers while you have it apart.

The upper ball joint is a bolt in and if I remember correctly the lower presses in (been awhile since I looked at mine).

[Clyde65]

what Black said, another tidbit is ECE sells a Front rebuild kit that is very reasonable and very complete. it comes with upper and lower shafts brand new, no guessing there.

[protrash64]

Not hard to do but you may want a 3/4'' drive ratchet set or some big wrenches to get those caps off/on.

[k1rodeoboater]

...so no need for a shop press or anything? They just unscrew and screw back in?

[SFTorange]

I had to borrow a couple of big sockets to do it, but the job is manageable. You don't need anything pressed in for the cross shafts, but the lower ball joints are pressed in. Make sure you use a big ratchet and a long breaker bar when removing the caps, it'll make things a lot easier.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by k1rodeoboater

...so no need for a shop press or anything? They just unscrew and screw back in?

Only balljoints press in, lowers.

[k1rodeoboater]

Sweet, I'll order the upper and lower cross-shaft kits and rebuild them then. I just put new ball joints into the upper and lower arms.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by k1rodeoboater

I gotta rebuild my upper A arms at the very least, but I figure I probably should do the lowers as well since the boots don't hold any grease. How hard of a job is this to do?

I would remove them from the truck and take them to a front end shop to have the new bushings installed. If you do not have the tools.......someone mentioned new control arms, I had to replace one on my 66 bought it at rock atuo and it was only $125.00 which I though was a good deal. Kieth

[blackedoutharley]

There is no need to take this to a shop to have the shafts installed. If you're capable of unscrewing the end caps this can be done by nearly anybody.

I will say that it is easier to do them with the arms removed and placed in a vise rather than in the truck.

Don't forget to put the alignment shims back in the way they came out and then drive it to a reputable shop for alignment (driving it there, rather than towing, allows the front end to "settle").

If in doubt take a few digital photos prior to disassembly for reference.