Sooo tonight I tried to remove the driver side upper a-arm on my 72. What do I need to do? The bleeping bolts wiggle around but won't come out. Are they suppose to? Or do I need to do something with the steering shaft other than wish it wasn't there right now?

Frustrated in Pugetropolous (Seattle)!

The bolts that go thru the frame into the cross shaft of the upper arm, DO NOT TURN.

They have a splined shoulder that is a little bigger than the bolt hole. This way the bolt bites into the frame, so the nut on the other side can be loosened and shims added/subtracted.

If you want to take the bolts out, use a large c-clamp to push the bolt away from the motor. I use a socket bigger than the bolt-head so that when you start pushing from the motor side on the bolt, it can pop into the big socket.

If you are trying to remove the arms with the bolt in, then you may have to drop the headers or manifold and pull off the steering column at the rag joint.

If I take the bolt out, then will I cause an alignment mechanic to curse me someday (relatively soon)?

If you replace the shims the way they were installed, you shouldn't change the alignment.

They tend to drop off when things loosen up, so count them now. Maybe put some tape on them so they drop off together.

But getting it realigned is a good idea anytime something like that changes.

If I was going to remove these bolts from my frame, I'd replace them with new ones. I believe our sponsor carries them. They do tend to get corroded. The ones we did recently on a friends 65 were in pretty good shape. So he re-used them.

They are not supposed to turn but every car that I have has had them turn. We just did my brothers monte and one of them turned. My chevelle, all of them turned. All that happened was that the bolts wore down the splined section.

Lytemup,
So if the bolts turn can an alignment can still be done? Wonder how the shop can get to the bolt heads to hold them.

Don

if the heads turn they cant do the alignment you have to be bale to tighten and loosen the nut on the other side of the crosshaft what i did my splines were worn and when i put new ones on the holes were worn even when replaced i welded the heads to the frame so they dont spin the only down side to that is to pull the uppers off now ill have to crack the weld or pull the steering off but because i totally redid my front suspension it has to be realigned so you cant have those bolts spinning hope that helps

Just buy new bolts, mine spun when I replaced my front end, the new ones will press right in.


Rocky

actually I was able to get a socket with a swivel on them pretty easily. Now if they were doing an alignment, it would be near impossible with the wheels still on. When I buy new ones if they still move, then Ill tack them in place.