How Do I Install Control Arms in a 1966 Chevy C10?

The front suspension on a 1966 Chevrolet C-10 truck uses an upper and lower control arm to guide the front wheels up and down in the wheel well. These control arms have bushings and ball joints that wear down over time, causing tire wear and vehicle stability issues. Once the control arms have been removed from the frame and the bushings replaced, then it's time to install the control arms on the truck. This takes an hour or so to do per side.

Things You'll Need

• Factory upper control arm
• Factory lower control arm
• Open-end wrench set
• Cotter pins
• Jack
• Coil spring
• Shock absorber
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
• Tire wrench
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Sit in front of the fender well, facing the mounts for the upper and lower control arms. Install the lower control arm into the mounts on the front cross-member using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket.

2. Put the jack underneath the lower control arm. Put the coil spring in the spring pocket on the frame and the lower control arm. Install the front spindle onto the lower control arm with an open-end wrench, then install a cotter pin in the ball joint on the spindle with your fingers.

3. Install the upper control arm onto the frame with the 1/2-inch ratchet wrench. Lift the jack up until you can connect the upper control arm to the spindle. Bolt the two together with an open-end wrench, then install a cotter pin in the ball joint in the upper control arm with your hands. Install the shock to the frame mounts and the lower control arm with the 1/2-inch ratchet wrench.

4. Install the wheels on the front suspension with the tire wrench. Lift the truck off of the jack stands using the jack.

Tips & Warnings

• After the control arms have been installed, you need to have the front suspension aligned by a professional alignment shop. They have tools with precision not available to the consumer, and special tables to make the job easier and faster.