So I got the 72 with a complete suspension rebuild already done. Now I have to take it in for an alignment. So I check the upper A arm to make sure they can loosen the bolts. Check out the pic, are the studs the shims go on backwards?
If so, I should be able to knock them out one at a time as long as the spring is lightly loaded....correct?
DSCN0354.jpg

 

Looks like someone had a few too many beers when this went back together. The bolts holding the upper arm are in completely backwards. The shoulder of these bolts are ribbed so they will lock into the frame. Unfortunately, the way they were installed, they are partially locked into the control arm shaft. Remove the nuts to the point that the end of the nut is flush with the end of the bolt and try driving it out with a hammer. In order to gain room to do so, you may need to disconnect the upper ball joint from the spindle. If you do, try not to tear the grease boot. Once you get the bolts out, put them in so the head of the bolt is where the nut currently sits. As long as the ribs on the bolt are in good shape as is the hole in the frame where the bolt goes, it should lock in OK. You'll need to tighten the nut to the point that you know the head of the bolt is fully seated. You can do this with the control arm in place or with it removed. Once you get it set up the correct way, get it to the alignment shop so they can determine what shims need to be installed.

If the ribs on the bolt shoulder are no good, you can try to tack weld the head of the bolt to the frame or just buy new bolts. They are available through several different sources.

Good luck.

 

Ok, I'm going to admit, I already had the upper A arm ball joints off to change the springs......doh.

 

Weird. The bolts usually go in from the outside and are a force fit in the frame, the A-arm shaft can slide right off them if you take the nuts off.
Be aware that it's possible the frame holes are damaged and may not be able to retain the bolts any more. It's also possible that they're fine.
Looks to me like someone wrecked the originals, didn't want to go find the proper replacements, and just use what they had.
It must be tough to get to those nuts for adjustments, though...

- Eric

 

To answer all my questions..................
Yes, the upper ball joint has to come apart.
I only ruined 1 ball joint boot.
I flipped all the bolts around.
The bolts are OK, but all the mount holes were stripped.
There is enough room to get a socket wrench to the bolt head though.

 

Buy new bolts.

If one breaks, you will be in trouble...ask me how I know.....

 

X2
I found out the hard way also. Alignment techs usually over stressed these over the past 40 years...