Lower control arm install

Hello, I am new to the forum. I have searched the threads and am still looking for some help!

I have a 2000 Gmc c3500 quad cab big block, dropped a lil.

The issue I am having is: I sheard a lower ball joint pass side and am trying to replace the lower control arm. Pulled the old control arm out and am trying to install the new one. The new control arm is a stock replament with the ball joint and bushings pressed in.

The new control arm bushings are wider than the ones in the arm i pulled out. The bushings and center sleeve are slightly wider not allowing the arm to align with the bolt holes. Even with the influance of a heavy hammer!

Can anyone give some tips? advice?

Should i shave them down with a grinder and de-burr the sleeve?

any suggestions?

Thanks 2stoneddually!

yeah just take a grinder and shave the sleeve down enough till it fits....dont go to much as it could cause some play but it wont hurt anything to shave it enough to work

Either that, or if there's just not enough excess to carefully grind off...consider that the "pocket" in the frame may be ever-so-slightly collapsed from the bolts being torqued down; I ran into this when rebuilding my '92 front end using urethane bushings. I used the claw attachment on the porta-power to very gently spread the pockets out a tiny bit and the arms went right back in, no sweat.

Richard

Thanks for the replys Someotherguy and Comegetsome

Gonna try and trim the sleeves and spread the pockets a lil. Dont have a porta power but will have to persuade it some how.

thanks guys!!

any other suggestions welcome

1) short piece ( 6" or so ) of 5/8" all thread, 4) large 5/8 washers, 2 ) 5/8" nuts and 2 open end wrenches. Cheap, reusable and works every time.

Darrell

So I tried the 5/8 all thread spreader method first! Worked like a f'n charm!!!! Thanks Tuckinuts

thanks for all the replys!! u guys help out bigtime!

2stoneddually

You're welcome my brotha'

Darrell

Nice

I did the porta-power method because I had one anyway. Made it real easy. Not having to go buy that shiz if you don't need it is a big plus though.

Richard

Ok. So I have the control arm in and swapped all the parts I am going to replace .

I am now trying to get the coil spring back in this beast. I have been trying to use a set of spring compressors to compress the spring, have them cranked till they won't crank any more and still not enough to get it in. Will admit that the tools are only shrinking the springs slightly.


You guys got any recommendations? True fire tested ways to get these f'n springs back home ?

How did you get it out? With the spring compressor you're using now or the "let the spring tension off with a floor jack method" ????

Darell