for some odd reason as i was installing my control arms in my car i can not get the lower arms to bolt in. what happens is i can stick the bolt through the frame and through the bushing but it doesnt come through out the other side i cant get them lined up what wrong???? and also what end of the control arm goes to the front and which goes to rearend bracket or does it make a difference i noticed that one end has an oval hole and the other has a circular hole thanks for any info


-josh-16 years old
1970 chevelle

The Oval should be in the back. I have had trouble with this before. What I did was take punch and use that to line up the holes then put the bolt through. It takes a little time, but it doesn't mess up the treads on the bolt.

A large stout screwdriver can also be used to insert into the bushing sleeve to help line up the holes. Once the bolt holes are close on either end you should be able to tap the bolts in with a hammer. Don't get carried away or you could damage the bolt threads, if it won't go in with a few mild taps try lining things up again. The original equipment bolts have a slightly pointed end which help get the bolt through the hole. If you are using aftermarket bolts with square ends you might want to grind a little bevel into the ends before you try to install them.

A large stout screwdriver can also be used to insert into the bushing sleeve to help line up the holes. Once the bolt holes are close on either end you should be able to tap the bolts in with a hammer. Don't get carried away or you could damage the bolt threads, if it won't go in with a few mild taps try lining things up again. The original equipment bolts have a slightly pointed end which help get the bolt through the hole. If you are using aftermarket bolts with square ends you might want to grind a little bevel into the ends before you try to install them.

Be sure you put a nut on the bolt before you grind on the bolt. Sure helps the threads if you take the nut off after you grind.