Oldssupreme

Hi everyone. I think i really screwed up by forgetting to install the front upper control arm bumpers when i installed the control arms and springs. Is there anyway i can get the new ones in without recompressing the spring and removing the upper ball joint from the spindle?
Thanks for all the help you have all provided!
Chris.

joe_padavano

You should be able to get then in place by jacking under the spring instead of under the frame. If that doesn't allow enough room, while the car is supported this way you can disconnect the upper ball joint and pivot the upper arm out of the way. The weight of the car keeps the spring compressed and the shock prevents the spring from coming out anyway.

Oldssupreme

Joe, would i have to wait until i put the body back on the frame with the weight of the engine for that to work?
Thanks!
Chris.

Octania

Yes, probably.
However I have sucessfully managed such tasks by chaining the frame down to the legs of a cherry picker then using its boom to lift up on the lower control arm, which then allows the upper CA to be free of forces. Rather than engine/ body weight to keep the frame down, you use the crane legs. Chain securely all connections.

Oldssupreme

Ok, thanks! Itw so frustrating to have to do all this additional work that, if i been paying better attention, would have taken me all of 2 minutes in the first place. Ah we live and learn lol. Thanks!
Chris

Oldssupreme

Thank you all for your replies! Joe, you are thinking i can jack up under the spring, and then remove the castle nut of the ball joint? And the weight of the car would keep the arm from breaking loose and wild?
Chris

joe_padavano

Actually, the shock in the center of the spring prevents it from going anywhere. The weight of the car compresses the spring sufficiently that you can get the upper control arm off and on again. You do have the engine and trans in place, correct? If not, there likely won't be enough weight.

Oldssupreme

Joe, no right now the body and engine are not installed. So what if was to jack it up under the spring like you said, and wrap a chain around the frame and the bottom of the jack to simulate the. Weight of the motor. Would that work?
Chris

joe_padavano

Sounds like Chris' suggestion with chaining to the engine hoist. At this point I might just resort to an internal spring compressor. What you really want is the factory style that uses a threaded rod between the upper shock mounting hole and the hole in the lower control arm.

Oldssupreme

Joe, where can i get one of those?

joe_padavano

That one was home made. Description is here.

Here is another home made variation.

I got lucky and was able to score one of the Burroughs Tool Oldsmobile factory tools a few years ago. I used it when I did the front end rebuild on my wife's 1985 D88. It was so much easier to use than the aftermarket compressors.

Oldssupreme

Thank Joe!
Chris

oldcutlass

I would just wait until you have most of the weight back on the vehicle. Then you can just support it on the lower control arm and worst case break the upper ball joint loose and install them. There is no harm or damage being done by waiting.

Oldssupreme

You're right Eric. If I'm feeling cautious, ill take your advice and wait. If I'm feeling adventurous, then ill try the other methods, Thanks to all of you for your help!
Chris