Torque spec for upper A-arm pivot shaft end bolts

[Gary B.]

[David H.]

Re: Torque spec for upper A-arm pivot shaft end bolts

Can someone tell me the torque spec for the end bolts for the upper A-arm pivot shaft? The ‘66 AIM gives a value of 45-55 ft-lbs for the lower A-arm pivot shaft end bolts, but I can’t find the value for the upper A-arm. The lower pivot shaft end bolts are larger than the upper bolts, so I assume the torque for the uppers will be less than 45-55. But how much less?

Thanks,

Gary

Gary

Van Steel web site shows 35 ft-lbs for upper bushing bolts.

They also have admonition below on when to tighten bolts.

Dave

63-82 Front Control Arm Bolt Info
Before tightening the control arm bushing retention bolts on control arms with RUBBER bushings, the car needs to be on the ground and driven a short distance before torqueing the retention bolts to factory spec. Do not lift the car to torque the lower bushing retention bolts. The process should be done on ramps or on a drive on lift. If the retention bolts are torqued while the suspension is in droop, the bushings will fail prematurely. If you are installing control arms with POLY bushings, we recommend you use red loctite when torqueing the retention bushing bolts. With poly bushings, the retention bolts can be tightened to factory specs before the arms are in the car. *NOTE* The control arm bushing retention bolts are NOT torqued out of the box. You must perform this step.

[Leif A.]

Re: Torque spec for upper A-arm pivot shaft end bolts

Gary,
I agree with what Dave posted above. Just another bit of advice, after the initial torque of these bolts, drive the car 50-100 miles and re-torque. I had one completely back out and the other three were loose after my initial install and torque. Glad I caught it when I did. The second time I tightened them, I cranked down on them pretty good, compressing the rubber bushing. I mentally added these bolts to my list of things to check on a regular basis as I drive my car a lot.

[Gary B.]

[Jim S.]

Re: Torque spec for upper A-arm pivot shaft end bolts

FWIW, the washers, bolt, bushing, cross shaft & A-Arms were painted as an assembly. So they should all be gloss black.

[Gary B.]

Re: Torque spec for upper A-arm pivot shaft end bolts

Jim,

Yup, I did the painting as per the JG.

Gary