control arms

[azygoustoyou]

WOW!!
I'm having fun trying to get the control arms off so I can sandblast them. I broke the ball joint remover. I'll get another tomorrow. I'm heating the area. It doesn't want to budge. I heard the older control arms are better then the new ones. Should I buy new ball joints and bushings for these control arms or get the arms all ready done with the items on them?

I also couldn't save the dust shield. Can we get them new. When I was taking mine apart? The bolts twisted and destroyed the mounting area of it.

[pope]

I did last summer what you are doing now. I didnot use a ball joint remover, just sprayed some PB Blaster on the connections and on the metal surround that the ball joint slips into, just rap it with a hammer and the parts dislodge. Worked on everyone perfectly. I sandblasted them and then epoxy primered them. All bushings and balljoints plus your labor are under a hundred dollars. Its about $250 to purchase the new A-arms.

[azygoustoyou]

Thanks Pope,
Whats pb blaster?

[pope]

Most auto parts stores should have it. PB Blaster is a penetrating lubricant that is second to none.

[So Cal Mark]

I prefer Zep 45

[kuhndg]

I did mine over the winter. I replaced everything; but I ran into a problem with removing the the bushings. I know there is a tool for every job, and I had a hard time locating a press that would work on the bushings. I ended up taking it to a shop. Hind site being 20/20, I would by them assembled if I had to do it all over again.

[azygoustoyou]

I realized the lower control arm on my 81 is bent pretty good. I need to know if the one on the 78 would be the same?
Also, It looks like someone was cutting on the wrong area to get the ball joint out before. Is the Axle on the front the same on the 78 and 81. Look at the pic. Thx

[kuhndg]

they are the same for those model years.

[azygoustoyou]

Thx for quick response! Now I hope the other one is good.