Rebuilding Uppper Control Arms

[TampaStang]

I decided to rebuild the control arms on the beast, after getting the arm out and removing the 2 "end caps" if you will, I notice the new ones have threads, but dont exactly "thread" onto them, they do however tighten up to the portion that connects to the frame.

Is this safe to have like this or do I need to buy new control arm frames?

Also are their any torque specs for tightening down the suspension, I cant find any in the shop manual.

Thanks,
TampaStang

 

[damannhw]

If I understand your question right, then I had the same problem recently on my '69. Some upper control arms are threaded and some are not. Mine were not, they had press in style end caps, so I ended up buying whole new upper assemblies. There may be some other options, maybe buying press in end caps ? Maybe someone else has more info ? Hope this helps a little ! David

 

[Ozsum2]

I don't have an answer to your question, but to say that I would never rebuild an UCA. The stamped peice of metal can egg shape and at time is not rebuildable anyway. I opted for the peice of mind of a new set.

 

[bnickel]

all of the upper control arms should be threaded for the bushings, what you call end caps. if they are not then 1 of 2 things has happened 1: the arms and bushings were badly worn and/or badly rusted and when you removed the bushings you pulled the remaining threads off of the control arm. 2: someone else had the same problem at some point in the cars life and used the moog "problem solver" type bushing to replace the originals, however these bushings are really easy to spot since they are made of rubber

 

[TampaStang]

Ok, well I decided to play it safe and bought 2 new frames from Mustangs Plus. I kinda figured they should have threads if the new parts already have them. Looking at the old ones they were threaded too, but I guess when I removed them, they just disentegraded. Any idead on what to torque these to?