[sunrise7]

So on my '71, the rear bushing on the front upper control arm has cracked and pretty much popped out of position. When I turn the wheel I hear a clunk
as the control arm must move from one position to the other now that there is clearance there. I have never worked on the suspension before so I have a couple of questions for the pros out there.......
1. Can I drive the car like that or am I just making matters worse.... I think I know the answer to that one....
2. I notice when I jack up the car from under the lower control arm it frees up the upper control arm so that I can move it by hand since the rear bushing is gone. My question is can I remove the bolt the holds the rear bushing in, slide off the old bushing and sleeve and press a new one in WITH the upper control arm still in the car ? It moves around pretty easy when jacked up.
Or am I just dreaming ? :wacko: Thanks....

 

[Finally]

You know the answer to #1.

#2. There is no spring tension on the upper control arm but you really should remove it and have new bushings pressed in, front and rear. If not you'll be taking it apart again to do the front bushing. I'm sure it's the same age as the rear and won't last much longer.

#3. I know you didn't have a 3 but you probably need to replace all 8 bushings, uppers, lowers on both sides. Sounds like they may all be originals.

 

[sunrise7]

Finally, Thanks.
But on #2 ... just to get by right now, can I get that rear bushing out with the control arm on the car and press a new one in for now ? How tight a press fit is it ?

Otherwise, do you know of a good link with instructions on how to remove the upper control arm ? Thanks again......

 

[JWagner]

I think that trying to change it while it is in the car would be a daunting task. It really does not take all that much to remove the control arm and do the change on the bench. If the control arm is in good condition, it takes quite a bit to install the new bushing.

 

[71350SS]

Interference fit on the bushing shell to control arm fit so it needs to be pressed or at the very least hammered on with a bushing knocker.No room to swing a hammer especially on the rear bushing.Also the inner sleeve has to come off first,if its still intact.