lower control arm u bolts

[Greg63]

I am getting everything ready to freshen up the front suspension in my '63 and am looking for someone who can supply me with the four "U" bolts that attatch the lower control arms to the front crossmember.
My local GM dealership doesn't show them any more and I don't want some generic piece of junk bolt.
Any ideas who can supply the proper bolts?
Greg

[badriand]

73-87 should fit also try autozone or napa etc. Maybe in the help section of the auto stores. Worse comes to worse junk yard 73-87. To be honest with you the ones that are on it probably aren't that bad, have you checked them. Most of the time they get so packed with grease and grime they don't have a chance to rust. Mine were still like new once i dug all the grime off.

[Greg63]

Thanks for the tip.
I had my GM parts guy look up the 73 "U" bolts , but I wasn't going to pay $11 each for something that would not fit.
I will try NAPA.
I want to have some on hand in the event the original Canadian bolts snap when I disassemble them.

[protrash64]

I cant remember where I got mine when I did the rebuild on my truck. I can tell you that there are 2 sizes; maybe heavier size for 3/4 ton? Anyway, I had to elongate the holes to fit the new u-bolts in the x-member. I didnt enjoy doing it!!

[Captainfab]

I would suggest upgrading to the larger dia ones used '73 and up. I had two of the original ones on my Suburban break....really not sure why they broke. Even though I replaced them with the original size I haven't had one break in several years. But if I were you and I was disassembling the front suspension anyway, I'd upgrade....plus there must have been a reason GM uped the size.

[Greg63]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I would suggest upgrading to the larger dia ones used '73 and up. I had two of the original ones on my Suburban break....really not sure why they broke. Even though I replaced them with the original size I haven't had one break in several years. But if I were you and I was disassembling the front suspension anyway, I'd upgrade....plus there must have been a reason GM uped the size.

As a matter of fact my dealership called me yesterday to tell me they looked up the part number for a '72 and came up with the bolts I needed. They are 9/16" and are beefier than the originals.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Now all I require is one upper ball joint - a Moog K6024 or a GM piece - and I can start the rebuilding process.
Does anyone have one upper ball joint available?
Greg

[salazar44]

hmmm... trying to think what ubolt ur talking about on the control arms.

[Greg63]

Originally Posted by salazar44

hmmm... trying to think what ubolt ur talking about on the control arms.

There are two on each side that hold the lower control arm cross shaft to the front crossmember.

[greg64]

Hi Greg,

Here's what you're looking for (if you want stock): http://www.classicparts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=74-351

But as others have pointed out, the original was 7/16" and the later stuff is 9/16". I'm going to switch these on my 64 as well, and was thinking about going with the 9/16 and just drilling out the crossmember.

[Greg63]

Originally Posted by greg64

Hi Greg,

Here's what you're looking for (if you want stock): http://www.classicparts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=74-351

But as others have pointed out, the original was 7/16" and the later stuff is 9/16". I'm going to switch these on my 64 as well, and was thinking about going with the 9/16 and just drilling out the crossmember.

Thanks Greg.
I picked up the GM 9/16" bolts and will be drilling. They were about $9 each.
Greg