Removing (separating) upper control arms

Technical Question and Answer - On topic to 71-74 Plymouth B-bodies only.

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71Satellite98661
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Removing (separating) upper control arms

Post by 71Satellite98661 » Fri Oct 23, 2015 8:01 pm

I'm looking for any tips on separating upper control arm ball joint from spindles while in the car (excluding pickle fork). I'd like to be able to reuse the parts and avoid marring restored components. I read somewhere a guy suggested a bolt and coupling nut to act as a "spreader" but yet to try it. Any ideas? :help:

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72RoadRunnerGTX
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Re: Removing (separating) upper control arms

Post by 72RoadRunnerGTX » Sat Oct 24, 2015 10:35 pm

Before unloading the torsion bars, back the nut off a couple of turns, careful placement of some hammer blows to the side of the spindle knuckle should free the tapper with minimal impact.
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71Satellite98661
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Posts: 280
Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:14 pm
My Cars: 71 Satellite
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Location: Vancouver, WA

Re: Removing (separating) upper control arms

Post by 71Satellite98661 » Sat Oct 24, 2015 10:51 pm

Thank you for the reply. This will likely be a winter project. I'll post an update. I run G60-15 bias ply tires and the stability on straight stretches is a little squirmy. I'm going to try Dick Ross ' s upper control arms to get some more caster to see of that helps.

Ronnman
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Re: Removing (separating) upper control arms

Post by Ronnman » Sun Oct 25, 2015 8:33 pm

If you have a stubborn one, I have placed a hammer on one side while hitting the other side of the knuckle with a second hammer. I use usually place the heavier hammer against the knuckle and hit the opposite side with the lighter one.
Ron

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