How in the heck is this thing removed? I took out the two bolts that go through the backing plate, but how do you get it off where it attaches to the upper A arm?

TIA, Kevin

I assume that you are reffering to the spindle. It is the only thing attached to the control arm. If you remove the bolts on the backing plate it should come off the spindle, then you must seperate the ball joint from the control arm to remove spindle.

Joe, I am going from memory here, but there is a bolt going through backing plate near the top. It looks like it goes into the spindle. I had a 15/16" socket on there and wacked the s--t out of it with a BFH. Man that thing wasn't budging. I guess I'll need an impact wrench?

Kevin

Could you post a pic so I can get better idea

It's just a big bolt.

Did you try a big hammer and a chissel? Works pretty well if you stike a corner of the hex so that it'll turn the bolt.

Tim.

Sounds like the bolt that on the drum brakes the springs connect to at the top of the spindle or it attaches the caliper mount to the spindle on the disc setup. It should be really tight - use a 1/2" breaker bar or a good impact wrench.

Does it look like this?
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70Z15/Jul10n04.JPG
If so, there are tabs on the backing plate that fold over and against the bolt head locking it into place.

I used a pickle fork when I took myfront suspension apart. They are like 8$ at the parts place. Great investment.