Alright ... been trying to find this through search, and haven't found anything yet.

I've got my upper A-arms off ... but am not for sure of the correct method to disassemble. It looks like the cross-shaft should slide sideways in the bushing to be removed ... and then press the bushings out after the shaft is removed.

How's this done?

Thanks, Neal

You'll have to get one of the bushings partially pushed out to be able to slide the cross shaft out of the way. As I recall, it's not too far before you'll be able to slide it sideways and out. You might be able to press them out, although many of us have gone the beating method. These things are usually in there pretty tight.

If you go the Popeye route, drill out a good portion of the rubber in the bushing then whack them with a big chisel from the inside of the control arm to collapse them in on themselves. Once they start to collapse, from a couple of sides, you should be able to hammer them out without too much problem.

There are really three different styles of a-frames. One is rare and was in Buick in 1967 and 1968. These had a bushing that screwed into the a-frame. I doubt you are working with an a-frame of this style. See this link.


The second had nuts that screwed onto the end of the pivot arms that held large washers in place that held the bushings in place. With this style pivot arm you will need to remove both bushings completely in order to remove the pivot arm.

The third style had small bolts that held the large washers in place that held the bushings in. You might be able to remove one bushing and get the pivot arm out. See this link http://www.leverfamilysite.com/two_types_of_uppers.htm

It really makes no difference, as you will want to remove the bushings anyway to replace them.

Some people use an air chisel to remove the bushings. I do not recommend this, as you will damage the a-frame. The best way is to press them out. You can rent a small press from a toll rental place. See this link http://www.leverfamilysite.com/Spacers_and_Shims_Page.htm

You can take them to a garage and have them do it for you. Make sure they are not going to use an air chisel. I have heard real horror stories of what garages have done to control arms.

Finally you can send them to someone and have them press out your old bushings, refinish your arms, and press in your new parts for you. This can be done for $67.00 in paint or $77.00 in powder coat. See this link http://www.leverfamilysite.com/cost.htm

By the way I do this.

OK .. guess I'm missing it here. So, How do the bushings / shaft come apart? Am I still going with the same thought that the bushings must be pressed out, with the shaft still attached ... that aught to be interesting.

Yes, both of mine are the style with the bolt on the sides ... don't see as which that makes a difference, but oh well.

Thanks, Neal

OK .. guess I'm missing it here. So, How do the bushings / shaft come apart? Am I still going with the same thought that the bushings must be pressed out, with the shaft still attached ... that aught to be interesting.

Yes, both of mine are the style with the bolt on the sides ... don't see as which that makes a difference, but oh well.

Thanks, Neal

The shaft slides inside the center sleeve of the bushing. Once one bushing, outer and inner sleeve is pushed out of the a-arm far enough the shaft can be pushed sidways and will slide out of the other bushing.

OK, that's kinda what I thought I was looking at ... I'm gonna try making a "C" looking fixture to slip past the cross-shaft, and try to press the bushing with my ball joint press.

We'll see ... I've got a wedding to go to this weekend, then need to have the whole frame disassembled for galvanizers on Tuesday. Body shop is going way faster than I can! Don't ever buy a rust-free car ... the "frame off" turns into a quick sand/paint, now we're waiting on the frame again (grins).