How to Remove C-10 Control Arms

C-10 Pickup

The C-10 pickup was very popular for Chevrolet. Chevy used the same front suspension from 1960 through 1987. As a result, many aftermarket parts are available for the trucks, including raising and lowering components. To install them, you have to remove both the upper and lower control arms, which can be done at home with hand tools and some heavy lifting.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• 24-inch pry bar
• Brake line clamps
• Line wrench set
• 3/8 inch ratchet and socket set
• Cotter pin puller tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Open-end wrench set

Instructions

1. Raise up the front of the vehicle using the jack and set it on the jack stands. Make sure that the vehicle is solidly on the stands before crawling underneath it. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and set them out of the workspace.

2. Clamp the brake line clamp onto the rubber brake line and tighten it in place so that the line is flattened. Remove the brake line from the back of the brake caliper using a line wrench.

3. Place the jack underneath the lower control arm and lift it up until it just contacts the arm. Remove the cotter pin on the upper control arm using the needle-nose pliers and the cotter pin puller tool. Unbolt the castle nut from the upper control arm ball joint using an open-end wrench.

4. Slowly lower the jack which should separate the upper control arm from the spindle. Use the 24-inch pry bar to pop the spring out of the spring pocket and place the spring to the side.

5. Remove the cotter pin on the lower control arm using the cotter pin puller and the needle-nose pliers, then unbolt the castle nut using an open-end wrench. Lift the spindle and brake assembly off of the lower control arm and set it to the side.

6. Unbolt the lower control arm from the frame using an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the upper control arm from the frame using the same tools.

References

• "Chilton General Motors Full Size Trucks 1980-1987 Repair Manual"; Michael M Carroll; 1994