BB 70 chevelle with headers. No clearance to remove A arm shafts from frame. Bolts too long - too close to headers even to remove the nuts on RH side.Too close to steering shaft on LH side. Has anyone ever shortened these bolts to increase clearance ? My idea is to cut the bolts 1-2 threads past the tightened nut.I will obviously measure before I do this so I know there will be enough clearance to get the shafts past the end of the bolt and header/steering obstructions.Has anyone ever done this ? I really don't want to have to pull the headers. Will replace with correct frame splined bolts when engine comes out later next year.

On mine the bolt is splined on the frame end. You can tap the bolt out with a hammer. You should have the clearence needed then.

Clearence is the issue.

To remove the bolts, use a socket on the outside head of the bolt (realy just a space for the c-clamp to rest on), which is bigger than the head of the bolt. Use a large C-clamp (I have a big one) to "push" the splined bolt outward.

It's splinded so don't try turning the bolt.

You may need the length to make adjustments (shims).


You should be able to do this with the motor is the car. I know, I have done it. Although the inner fenders were removed.

I have used the same method as described by DG. I applied some pressure from the C-clamp and tapped the bolt with a soft hammer to wiggle it a bit to get it to move. Then tighten the clamp some more and repeat the hammer tapping. This does work with the inner fenders in place.

Thanks, I will try the socket and c clamp method.

Worked great. Thanks for all the help. Now how do I seperate the shafts from the arms ? My shop manual says nothing about that procedure.

You have to "walk the bushings out" of the arm.

I think the "car craft" web site has a "step-by-step" on bushing removal with pictures.

Here it is:
http://carcraft.com/howto/116_0309_front/index4.html

Just use the page numbers at the bottom to move forward or backward thru the article.

I bought the C-Clamp tool at Harbor freight for ~$30. I have used and a couple guys in my club have used it. But you can get it from AutoZone for free.