How hard to change control arm bushings?

[REPO1]

I know its something I can do myself, but is it a real pain in the ass? Or should I just hold off, and do the disc-brake conversion at the same time later on and put new bushings into the new style arms I will be installing?

The reason I ask, is because the uppers are shot, and I won't be doing the disc brake thing for awhile yet.

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Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada

1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper
#s matching 402BB Turbo 400 trans.
Air conditioning, power steering, manual brakes.
73,600 Original Miles!!
(Add on 2000 more from raod trip!)

[ebfabman]

See if this helps
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/board/ub...ML/000007.html

[69 longhorn]

Chances are that bushings wont take up all the slop,you need to do shafts also. On you C20,they should be steel bushings through 80 something. The balljoints, & tie rods should work 71-86 or 87(3/4 ton). If you are converting to 1/2 ton,73 up had rubber bushings. Good luck...69 longhorn.

[REPO1]

Hey 69 Longhorn, so are you saying that the 3/4 tons had steel bushings, and the 1/2 tons had rubber bushings? I didn't know that.

If thats the case, the shafts will be shot as well, because there is quite a bit of slop in the uppers.

[69 longhorn]

The 1/2 tons had steel bushings till 73,then they went to rubber. You can use your original a arms,& all the later ball joints will fit when you do the disc conversion. The only trouble that you will have is a mod to the steering stop on the lower arm to get the full turning radius. You will also have to change tie rod assys,& possibly the center link to the 71-up pcs when you swap to disc.......69 longhorn.

[REPO1]

Thats good news. So basically, I just need the newer spindles, calipers, and steering parts. So I SHOULD just change my upper bushings/arms and be done with it, as I can re-use my current arms. (upper and lower)

Thanks!
Reid

[69 longhorn]

If the shafts & bushings are really loose,I would go ahead & do them.....just remember that the ball joints & tie rods are different from 70 to 71. if you run into problems there,it would be more economical to go ahead with the disc swap....69 longhorn.

[REPO1]

Ya, I can see that. I originally thought I would have to change the upper and lower control arms to the new style to do the disc brake swap. But seeing that I can reuse them, I will go ahead with just changing the bushings for now. Then once I find a pair of spindles, I will go ahead and change out the ball joints at that time.

Thanks for the help.
Reid

[vcrazy8]

What is the tolerence supposed to be on bushings? mine has about 20 thousands play I have seen complete control arm assenbly for about 50 bucks

[REPO1]

Not sure, but I think if you can actually see it move its going to fail an inspection.

Mine moves about 1/4 inch.

[super72bb]

Hey Reid I just sent you some phone #'s Via Email. Let me know if you don't get them.

Curtis

[REPO1]

Got em. Thanks!

I'm going to try calling some right now.

Reid