[budsthe3]

I just replaced all ball joints, and since then my drivers side shock keeps popping out of the lower control arm after driving.
The bolt clips that clip onto the lower control arm keep slipping out after I drive the car. I even replaced them with new ones and they still pop out after I drive the car. I'm think I'm just going to bolt them in with a nut on the other side.
Just curious of this has happened to anyone else?

 

[1971-Chevelle]

That's because they were installed incorrectly. The threaded hole goes on the top side of the control arm hole, while the half circle clip side goes on the bottom.

This video may help with visualization (not an automotive application, but same concept):

 

[1loud71]

My clips were all rusted/bad...installed new shocks with bolts and nuts...not difficult

 

[LevonH]

Post 10

https://www.chevelles.com/threads/front-shock-absorbers-install.1013706/post-10245298

 

[64Elc]

I have a 64. The front bottom control arm has welded on nuts for the bottom shock mounts. A couple are stripped out.
Are speed nuts acceptable for that or a nut and bolt recommended?

 

[mrpaticular]

I took my clips out years ago. Now, grade 5 bolt, washer, washer and nylock nut. The factory style fastners were used for fast easy assembly. They still can be a reliable part. What I don't like is that sometimes the nut brakes off the clip and then you have that. The way I do it they always R&R just not as easy.
Rick

 

[budsthe3]

Ah, ok. I had them backwards doh!
Tried a new set the correct way. Went for a drive and the shock stayed in. Thanks everyone!

 

[alex1970]

I started to install front shocks yesterday- Bilstein B6. I had to wedge open my J nuts to fit over the thickness of the stock A ARM metal, then I had to grind some of the tab so it would not hit the spring. Then it seems like the "J" part of the clip reduces the hole to the point the shock will not enter. I measured 1.56" for the shock diameter. With both J nuts in there it is probably 1.4". I read other posts (see #6 above) where people use normal nuts and washers but can you fit a socket thru the spring to get to the nut?? Mounting holes are 2.4" apart. J nut center of hole to edge 15/32 or .468 so 2.4-.937=1.46"

 

[64Elc]

Bolt inside, think I used an offset box for the head, not sure. Whatever works. Locktite too.