Is there anything special about the bolts that hold the control arms on? Can you just go to the hardware store and buy the correct grade and length?

 

I would just be sure and get the right grade of bolts.

 

I would buy that hardware from a parts car before I went to the hardware store.

 

Original bolts have a sholder just below the head. I pretty much use new grade 8 bolts on all of my builds. The exception being something where originality is important. For my Toro, I stripped and put a new black phosphate coating on all of the original bolts.

 

Weren't some of the UCA bolts splined/serrated at the shoulder so they didn't turn while tightening?

 

Yes, the upper control arm bolts that hold the cast iron shaft to the frame are serrated and pressed into the frame so they do not spin while you change shims during a front end alignment.

 

Chuxter, Are you asking about UCA bolts, LCA or both?

What are you working on?

 

And front or rear?

 

Suspension & chassis hardware is specific for a reason, safety.

Your only option is good used Detroit OEM or specialty hardware places such as ARP.
Expensive but safe...good metallurgy and repeatable quality control.

DO NOT USE chieasium hardware store or big box store grade zero junk anywhere on your vehicle...unless you want to lose your conrrol arms and or your life at speed.
Unfortunately, we no longer make anything general purpose in this country, Good old hardware store quality is a thing of the very distant past. We have completely sold out to china. Walk around in any big/small box store and try to NOT find a sea of china. I challenge you, Nauseating.

https://arp-bolts.com/

Get familiar with how to measure and interpret bolt/nut threads grades etc...Get a set of calipers and a thread pitch gauge and measure away.
Know the diameter thread count shoulder length and grade.


https://www.grainger.com/product/2ZV...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

If 64-72 F85, GM #381909 need 4 per car.

If 66-72 not F85 and not Toro, use 340808, need 4 per car. Also fits A, B, C 73-77. And 78-81 B, C cars.

For anyone looking...these have the serrated shoulders on the bolts.