control arm cross shaft tools

[darefugee]

did you make your own tools to remove/install the cross shafts in the control arms? If yes can you describe how it is done?

[MaineVette]

No special tools. It's going back quite some time now, but if I recall correctly I used an ordinary butane torch to burn out the old rubber bushings. Once the bushings were burned away (I highly suggest doing it outside because it smokes A LOT) the crossbars should slide right now. I then used a sawz-all to cut the steel sleeve for the bushing to allow it to be easily removed. If you cut in the same direction as the centerline of the cross shaft it will relieve the pressure on the sleeve and allow it to come out pretty easy.


Good luck!

[oatdog60]

Hi I am Ray. New to the fourm. I made up a tool to remove and install the bushings. If you do not use a tool you can damage the control arms. You can bend the bushing mounting holes. I found a tool in a GM repair manual and made up something like it out of pipe it worked great, and low cost to make it. You have to make one for the upper and one for the lower control arm.


Ray