upper control arm nuts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LeesTruk · 10-08-2018, 06:09 AM

Went to a show yesterday, and a fellow was looking in the engine bay. He turned to me and said "your alignment shims are laying under the control arms!" Sure enough, the control arm nuts had loosened, allowing the shims to slide out. After getting home and repairing the situation, I checked the search, and found this has happened to others, too. How common a problem is this, or should I have used new pinch nuts after I replaced the control arms?

**MikeB** · 10-10-2018, 06:52 PM

Yes, definitely use locking nuts! The ones you need are called "prevailing torque lock nuts". I was able to find them at a local industrial supply store, but you can also get them at BoltDepot.com.

https://www.boltdepot.com/Flange_nut...in_finish.aspx

LeesTruk · 10-11-2018, 04:00 AM

Thanks for the info. Getting the truck re-aligned tomorrow

10-08-2018, 06:09 AM	#1
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 433	upper control arm nuts Went to a show yesterday, and a fellow was looking in the engine bay. He turned to me and said "your alignment shims are laying under the control arms!" Sure enough, the control arm nuts had loosened, allowing the shims to slide out. After getting home and repairing the situation, I checked the search, and found this has happened to others, too. How common a problem is this, or should I have used new pinch nuts after I replaced the control arms?

10-10-2018, 06:52 PM	#2
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,663	Re: upper control arm nuts Yes, definitely use locking nuts! The ones you need are called "prevailing torque lock nuts". I was able to find them at a local industrial supply store, but you can also get them at BoltDepot.com. https://www.boltdepot.com/Flange_nut...in_finish.aspx __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-11-2018, 04:00 AM	#3
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 433	Re: upper control arm nuts Thanks for the info. Getting the truck re-aligned tomorrow



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