having never done this, or really paid attention to the front suspension, and having to replace a bent upper control and possibly bent lower control arm, its seeming like the replacing of the upper is much easier than the replacing of a lower control arm?

i'm assuming i need to deal with the shock and spring when replacing the lower but the upper is all about a couple sets of bolts and putting the alignment shims back in place?

i actually have a friend that is going to help but while im waiting for the parts i figured i would try and edjucate myself on whats being done in the job and whats involved.
i do realize after this i will need to get an alignment as well.

this was real helpful as well - http://www.leverfamilysite.com/instructions.htm

appreciate any thoughts or ideas you may have on the subject,
Mark

Buy, rent, beg, borrow or steal a good spring compressor. It can be done without one, but can be a huge safety concern. I personally know of someone who lost their eye.

My 2 bits...

Mark, you might check out this post also. http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261939

Also a search in the Brake and Suspension forum, there has been a lot of discussion on the subject.

Ray

Thanks much Ray!

Buy, rent, beg, borrow or steal a good spring compressor. It can be done without one, but can be a huge safety concern. I personally know of someone who lost their eye.

My 2 bits...

Agreed.... The spindle connecting the upper and lower arms is what keeps the spring in check.
Remove the shock, Use a spring compressor (you should be able to borrow or rent one from your local parts store) to compress the spring. Wrap a chain around the frame and through a couple coils in the spring (this is for safety). Unbolt the spindle from the lower arm, Remove the spring and set it aside. Unbolt the spindle from the upper arm and set it aside. Now you can replace the arms. Once the new arms are bolted to the frame, Rewrap the chain from the spring around the frame until you get the spindle reconnected to both arms.
Only tighten all bolts snug until everything is connected and the full weight of the car is on the suspension, Then torque everything to spec.'s.

Good luck and remember, You can never be too careful...