IM replacing my upper control arm bushings. it looks like there both pushed out all the way so that should not be a problem. but my questions is what else should i do while im in there and have the spring compressed should i replace both shocks i don't think the ever have been, and if im going to have to use a spring compressor any ways should i just go ahead and do that to both sides.

 

Springs don't need to be compressed to change shocks. Those can be done anytime unless they just need changing.
I'd check upper and lower control arm bushings AND upper and lower ball joints.
Now is the time to check and replace those if needed.

 

well i check the ball joints by jacking the wheels up and trying to move them up/down and wiggling and i didint feel any play so i think im good on that front. but the lower bushings are bad as well. the car has 69,000 mi and i dont think the shocks ever have been replaced since 1970 should i do this. will i notice any thing. the car dose not bounce.

 

First, those look normal in that photo. I'm not sure what's pushed out. Second, you don't need to remove the shocks or even use a spring compressor to remove the upper control arms. Simply support the car under the lower control arms and leave the shocks in place. The shocks make it impossible for the springs to come out.

 

I don't see anything "pushed out" either, but the bushing in first photo looks dry and cracked, probably a good move to change it. Of course do both sides, not just the one.

 

If you take a second look you can see that the bushing in the first picture is slipping out. In the second picture the control arm shaft bolt looks to be held on by only a couple threads. The control arm has shifted forward .Don't drive it in this condition, if it comes apart while driving it will do major damage. I would inspect the front end and do a rebuild of it.
Gary

 

Hey thanks Schne442 I thought I was going crazy. I looked at the bottom arm as well the bushings there look all most gone but not quite as bad, so im going to replace them as well. this is only on the passenger side as i have had the driver side done about a year ago at a shop.

any tips for a new guy to the suspension repairs. I have a manual that ill fallow, but any tips would be great.

Ill probably have to go get an alignment after, right?

 

There are several threads on this subject. just be carful when you remove the springs, when you are done take it in for an alinement. I dont know if you can get away with just doing the one side unless you hav'nt put many miles on it since the other side was done. Typicaly if one side is worn it will put stress on the other side and cause it to wear prematurly.
Good luck
Gary

 

x2

 

well i got the top bushings done, and Tuesday I'm doing the bottom.the only problem i had with the top was the ball-joint, i ran out to rent a tool and got it off. for the bottom, i need to remove the bottom joint as well and compress the spring, right? can i just lower the control arm and then remove this spring? will post pics soon.

 

In a nutshell, thats all you need to do. Of course you want to probably compress the spring right after you get the ball joint broke free.

 

Hear are a couple of pics from the job (its hard to take them when you dont want to get your cam dirty)
the parts store gave me the wrong bushings for the upper arm as you can see there huge there for the back control arm.[IMG]file:///C:/Users/jasonb/Desktop/2011-03-13%2016.04.15.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Users/jasonb/Desktop/2011-03-13%2016.02.16.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Users/jasonb/Desktop/2011-03-13%2015.08.42.jpg[/IMG]

 

got the lower arm off need to get now new ball joint for the lower too it was super loose so now i have to wait till tusday to put it all back

one of the bushings was way bad and the shock looks like it was shot

 

Gotta love those disc brakes

 

That bushing looks almost like my lowers. I say it IS shot!
BTW, perhaps get a cheapo digicam for your garage work. I got a used Canon A520 from KEH for about 50 bucks just for the garage. Great pictures and easy to use. And if I break it, not much lost.

 

well wile the car was sting for the week end i took the carb off to clean it out quick question what level do i set the new float too.


never mind looks like its 1/4 and from the top

 

i got it all done lower ball joints lower bushings upper bushings sway bark bushings, sway bar link bushings, and new shocks, drives like a dream,

Thanks guys

 

Well done
Gary