How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
I'm trying to install the pivot arm, and it's really hard to do with the inner bushings on the pivot arm. Any ideas?
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
James,
I think I understand your question so I'll try to explain.....
Reference ST-12 Fig 15 on This Page... http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...62csg0309.html
Both large threaded bushings must not be installed into the Control Arm.
Install Rubber Seals over the Control Arm Shaft ends. Position the Control Arm Shaft into each bushing hole in the Control Arm. Ensure Control Arm is well centered in the Control Arm.
Start to thread one Bushing into the Arm end while also threading onto the Shaft. While keeping the Shaft centered in the Control Arm, begin threading the opposite Bushing into the other end or the Arm and Shaft.
Keep the Shaft centered in the Arm while continuing to thread the 2 Bushings into the Arm and Shaft simultaneously until the bushings are fully seated into the Arm ends. If the Shaft is not centered, repeat the process until it is. When centered, torque Bushings to spec.(85-100 lbs/ft)
If difficult to thread the Bushings into the Arm ends and Shaft Ends, use a large C-Clamp to compress the Arm ends to allow the threads of the assembly to be more relaxed.
After installation of the shaft into the arm, it may be very tight. This is normal and will relax over time with use. Keep greased often.
Rich
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
James, these are a tight interference fit so don't expect them to turn easily. I made sure I measured mine often to make sure that they stayed centered and didn't pull more towards the front or back. Grease generously and work the control arms up and down in a full range of motion before attaching the spindle support and coil spring.Comment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
Thanks Rich & Eric, for the excellent reply & concern. (not sure if 1st reply went through) After trying to use the bushing to push the seal in, it still didn't want to go on. The bushing tore up the first seal. I will try installing them now at the same time. The Paragon seals seem to be kinda wide & thick. Maybe a good thing to keep control arm tight. May I ask where you got your seals? Corvette Central's kit for upper & lower uses a flat seal instead of an o-ring.Comment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
James, I bought a full front suspension kit from CC and used everything except the coil springs since my oem ones were good and I heard issues about ride height and aftermarket springs.
The seals are wide and you will find that they bulge out a bit when you tighten the bushings. I figure it will grease better. I carefully slid the seals on and through the lower A arm hole before tightening the bushings. If you use the bushings to press on the seal I will almost guarantee that you will damage the seal. I put mine on last fall and must have nicked one of the seals and this spring I found that it split. Fortunately I had a spare.
I did a complete front rebuild including upper pivot shafts and followed a process that Tom Parsons posted on another thread. Everything worked out as he described except I used a thicker ready rod to compress my springs..... I'm a bit OCD.
I am sure he and Rich can do these in their sleep so follow their suggestions and you will be in good hands. EricComment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
Hi Eric - I couldn't get those seals in the control arm. I used lotta grease, & a washer over the seal when tightening with the bushing. The washer was completely distorted. I'll follow Rich's advise & try it slowly tightening both bushings at the same time. I really appreciate the advise Rich & you gave me. That detailed description & photo were like a life jacket! I'm just getting started assembling the frame, and I want to get to see it come together. I actually did a frame off on this car in 1975, but all these parts ( & companies) that are available now weren't around. Now, where's my big hammer! JimComment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
Pictures are priceless..... you will get there.Comment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
i bought rubber hose of the correct outside diameter but thinner cut into correct width sections and was able to install. The repro bushing gaskets are too thick inside diameter compared to NOS or even NORS. I don't think you can avoid the bushings being distorted. they get crushed in there. Also careful not to over tighten or use anti-seize or bad things will happen...Comment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
I love Paragon, but I agree, someone dropped the ball on these seals. What kind of hose did you use? Will it swell & split later? If the I.D. is too small, grease will just blow by. I'm going to try and sand the rubber off the seals to make them thinner, and tapered at the end to fit into the control arms. Looking at the original seals, the new ones look almost double the size. Most of the problem with the oversized ones IS the installation. If the bushings crush the seals, well, it's time to start over again.Comment
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Re: How to install C1 lower pivot arm into control arm
they all seem to sell the same oversized rubber bushings. I just took an original one down to the store and tried a couple stores till I found one that looked very close and had them cut me a bunch. I haven't driven the car yet, but its holding just fine once installed. I can't vouch that this is the right way to do it, but the new bushings were too ridiculously thick to install. Even the hose I had to shove it in there and try a couple times.Comment
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