Starting to put the new front end on our 67 chevelle and I need to ask a couple of questions and clarify a couple of things.

1. upper ball joint bolts go with the nuts on the top? torque 7-9 foot pounds?

2. how many shims should go on the cross shaft (these got separated in the bag they were in and I don't remember how many or what thickness went where)? Any good number for starters?

3. what is the best way to get the lower front control arm in place when just working with a empty frame? Turn the frame upside down, so you are pushing the arm into place or what? In test fitting the lower arms look to be about a 1/4" to narrow (poly sticking out past bushing), what do you do here pry and cuss?

Thanks
Larry

Starting to put the new front end on our 67 chevelle and I need to ask a couple of questions and clarify a couple of things.

1. upper ball joint bolts go with the nuts on the top? torque 7-9 foot pounds?

2. how many shims should go on the cross shaft (these got separated in the bag they were in and I don't remember how many or what thickness went where)? Any good number for starters?

3. what is the best way to get the lower front control arm in place when just working with a empty frame? Turn the frame upside down, so you are pushing the arm into place or what? In test fitting the lower arms look to be about a 1/4" to narrow (poly sticking out past bushing), what do you do here pry and cuss?

Thanks
Larry


#1.......Yes

#2.......Your hosed if you didn't count in the first place. There is no set number of shims, the number is relevant to your front end alignment. Good news is when you get it aligned the alignment dude will put the correct number back where they belong

#3.......Can't help you there. When I replaced my bushings I used rubber and it was snug, but fit right in place with out prying.


Rocky

rocks66ss-- thanks for the confirmation, thought I was right, but just wanted to make sure. Your right it will need aligned, so a couple of two - three ought to work till it gets aligned.

Thanks again
Larry

One more question for now... on the steering arm(knuckle if you perfer) what size bolts and grades are used to bolt the arm to the spindle? Mine broke upon removal and I didn't think to keep them to see waht size they were. I would guess grade 8, but not sure on that or the size. Any help on size and where to get them?

Thanks
Larry

Any help on bolt size, length and grade? Spindle is for disc brakes.

Thanks
Larry

I'd probably take the time to scrounge some bolts from a donor car, or call one of the hundreds of companies that sell kits, ask them to sell you the bolts. I'd think they'd be at least Grade 8, if not Grade 10.9. As far as the shims, if you're using the 1/16" shims for the most part, I'd go with 2 towards the front, and 3 towards the rear to get it to the alignment shop. I just finished a friend's '71 GTO suspension rebuild today, with new rubber bushings. No cussing or scars like the usual urethane bushing build will give you. :noway: I'm almost ready to redo the Firebird, as no matter that I lubed the crap outta the poly bushings, they're squeaking pretty good these days. Rubber is looking better already, I forgot how nice they work. :yes: