front end

[geospider]

Just my luck that when I am ready to do the front, AR didn't have the prebuilt A arms.
The lowers will be a pain. obviously will need to go to a machine shop, unless someone has some kinda trick.
as for the uppers: looks like the bushings do not press all the way to the body of the A arm. others I have seen, butt up against the A arm.

there is something to cleaning up the original ( all in great shape). But would have been a lot easier with the pre built

shoot ideas my way

Geo

[Jimb]

I too am deciding whether to just get new arms upper and lower arms both sides or just replace all the bushings, so I'll be interested in feedback.
In my case i need to get them from Germany so currency differences and shipping is a consideration.

Jim

[geospider]

For me, I planned this when AR didn't have any A arms coming in. Now they are closer to being avail.
So, I am committed to doing the replacement. Uppers: not so bad: C clamp type remover.
Lowers: looks like they need a press.

If avail: only about $150 or so dif between new completed a arms or buying all the bushings and ball joints. we will see what it consts to have the lowers done for me. Probably then a push. but they aren't avail.

I'll let you'all know how it goes.

Geo

[geospider]

jim,
wait on the lower (at least) control arms from AR: shouldn't be long.
by the time you buy the bushings, ball joints and then have then pressed in (you can do upper, but not the lowers unless you have a bench press. so about $55 in parts and another $120 or so at machine shop. 2 control arms from AR is $165 much better deal and save a TON of time.
I am committed to my project
uppers rebuilt:
http://imgur.com/0fknvnf
easy

[geospider]

front done? not really. But; after rebuilding the A arms and now spring and shocks in.
https://i.imgur.com/QQIywg6.jpg

sure looks like it will be lower. comparing the spring looks more like 2". I know they are progressive/stiffer
https://i.imgur.com/GeLz2sl.jpg
Also: steering gearbox juiced up and adjusted, new idler, and all linkage.
to those thinking of doing your own A arm rebuilds: the uppers are easy and cost effective. the lowers: unless you have access to a press; buy them pre-built from AR.

now onto the motor ( a surprise head issue that slowed this whole thing) see post in engine section.

Geo

[bluespider262]

One of the best $100 I ever spent on a tool was the smallest harbor freight press, 10 ton iirc.

You'll pay for it with your a-arm rebuild, and it will continue to come in handy in the future. Transmissions, differentials, u-joints, bushings, you name it.

[lglade]

I bought the new A-arms, but I wish I'd tried this to rebuild my OEM ones. A trip to Home Depot and a five dollar bill is all you need.

http://www.suspension.com/blog/how-to-i ... t-a-press/

[geospider]

Yep. the uppers were easy: free rental ball jt press from Oreiley.
the lowers needed the press; probably like you are talking about. and $100 at Big O.
It is nice to see the parts going out of the garage onto the car vs the other way around. nice to know everything is cleaned and repainted too.
now: put the redone head back on:




all new water pump, tensioner and belts. new alternator too.
working on that damn starter; who would put bolts in that way

[geospider]

like many have said: quite a satisfying feeling to do all of this.



that's an inch??


sure wish I could drive it now.
after doing the rear and a test drive; was a great upgrade

Geo