Installing new UB upper control arm

[justabuickv6]

I am in the process of installing my new UB Machine Upper Control arms.

For those that have done this, or have replaced their upper control arm bushings, did you have to remove the passenger side exhaust manifold?

I have everything loose and I am trying to remove the control arm itself but I am unable to get it off of the two bolts that hold it to the frame.

The nuts are off but I am unable to turn or pull out the two bolts. If the manifold was off, I could just push the control arm towards the motor and it would come off. But, I don't want to do that if it's not necessary.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[bruce]

The bolts are knurled.
My alignment guy, just used a 1/2 impact, and some penetrant, and *spun* them in place. Once they spun, a set of needle nose vise grips could pull them out. After they get that treatment, they're easy to work with.

 

[justabuickv6]

Thanks Bruce. I figured it out. You are right. Knurled that is.

I was finally able to pull them straight out. I didn't want to mess up the knurls. I have it all back in now.

But now another question, the UB Machine ball joint is three pieces. The ball joint, metal sleeve and rubber boot. Does the ball joint mount on top of the control arm or below? Then, what order, ball joint, rubber boot and then metal sleeve or ball joint, metal sleeve and finally rubber boot?

 

[stickybones]

See attached picture. Slip the boot into the metal sleeve and then the ball joint into the boot. It sits in the UCA mount plate from above.

 

[bruce]

Thanks Bruce. I figured it out. You are right. Knurled that is.

I was finally able to pull them straight out. I didn't want to mess up the knurls. I have it all back in now.

But now another question, the UB Machine ball joint is three pieces. The ball joint, metal sleeve and rubber boot. Does the ball joint mount on top of the control arm or below? Then, what order, ball joint, rubber boot and then metal sleeve or ball joint, metal sleeve and finally rubber boot?

I have mine on top of the mounting flange, so as to give the rim as much clearance as possible.
The boot is sandwhiched between the two *tin* pieces.

The geometry moves about a point defined by the center of the ball joint, so above or below the mounting plate doesn't matter, in that reguard.

 

[justabuickv6]

Well, it's done. I finished before I received your replies.

I installed the ball joint from the top. It sits on the control arm.

I placed the boot inside the metal sleeve and pulled it down. It seemed to fit and looked like this was the way it was suppose to be. I placed the sleeve underneath the control arm and then placed the bolts from the top. Nuts and washers on the bottom with red locktite.

It's all done and looks great. I will post pictures on my website tonight.

 

[justabuickv6]

StickyBones

Pic is pending approval so I am unable to view it right now.


I slipped my boot inside the metal sleeve and pulled it down. It fit very nicely and looked like it was suppose to be this way. I looked on UB Machines' webpage but was unable to find any pics.

I think it will work this way but I am now afraid of the sleeve chewing up the boot.

See my website for pics.