Lower Control Arm Bushings

[rcatalano]

I've been lurking around the site for a couple of months and I'm getting started on the restoration of my 71 c10 shortbed. I'm starting to reassemble the front suspension and have a few questions on the installation of the lower control arms. Ive done some searching and can't seem to find the answers. According to my chassis manual, the lower busings need to be torqued to 280 ft/lbs?? Am I reading this right? The bushing nut is 1 5/8" and I have a 3/4" socket set with that size, but my torque wrench is only 1/2" drive and I don't have a socket that big. Also, my torque wrench only goes up to 200 ft/lbs. These are new bushings. Anyone have any ideas as to how I can get this back together?

Thanks!

Rick

[rcatalano]

Anyone??

[XXL]

Are you talking about the u-bolts that hold the cross-shaft in place? Or???

[Shane]

I think he is referring to the nut on the cross shafts.

[crazy longhorn]

I have never torked them, just pulled them up goood & tight with a breaker bar(thats about a ft longer than your tork wrench). I am in the same boat.....the tork wrench dont read that high! I have done several trucks that way, & not a problem.... L

[XXL]

Originally Posted by Shane

I think he is referring to the nut on the cross shafts.

Stop talkin' dirty to me like that.

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

I have never torked them, just pulled them up goood & tight with a breaker bar(thats about a ft longer than your tork wrench). I am in the same boat.....the tork wrench dont read that high! I have done several trucks that way, & not a problem.... L

I believe 280ft/lb can be precisely achieved by sliding a large jack handle over a Craftsman 1/2" breaker bar, and at the point that the handle on the breaker bar shatters, you're at 280.

[rcatalano]

Thanks for the responses!!

Rick

[deoncollins69]

Originally Posted by XXL

Stop talkin' dirty to me like that.




I believe 280ft/lb can be precisely achieved by sliding a large jack handle over a Craftsman 1/2" breaker bar, and at the point that the handle on the breaker bar shatters, you're at 280.

The best part about that process is?
1. You can now pick up chicks by telling them you are wounded war veteran.
2. you will be allowed to go around all the metal detectors at the airport.
3. Since you shattered your craftsman you get a free one to do the other three nuts.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by deoncollins69

The best part about that process is?
1. You can now pick up chicks by telling them you are wounded war veteran.
2. you will be allowed to go around all the metal detectors at the airport.
3. Since you shattered your craftsman you get a free one to do the other three nuts.

Nah, you just tork it to 1/4 turn past bend.....then back it up approx 1/2 turn(DONT BREAK THE WRENCH!) Ok, joke over..... unless you are one bad azz .....read (big MOFO), i doubt you can pull the a arm bushings up tight enough to break anything When you do the ball joints, tie rods, u bolts , ect.....i do reccomend the proper usage of the tork wrench however. you boys can call me "hills", but after all the yrs playin, I do tork up internals on the eng/trans/rear diff.....the rest is on "feel"......if it feels good DO IT! crazyL

[XXL]

Originally Posted by deoncollins69

...do the other three nuts.

4 nuts?

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by XXL

4 nuts?

Actually, the front end of that truck must be pretty well hung.......it has 8 nuts! L

[XXL]

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

Actually, the front end of that truck must be pretty well hung.......it has 8 nuts! L

No kidding... especially since some of us only have one.

[deoncollins69]

Originally Posted by XXL

No kidding... especially since some of us only have one.

I have two but they have been surgically disabled so does that count?