Lower control arm orientation, and question about washers

[thehackmechanic]

I went to reinstall my newly-rebushed lower control arms. I didn't mark which end is which, or which side is forward and reverse. I think I know which end is the outside end because I'd left the long hub bolts in, but I'm not certain.

The real question is about orientation. If I put the arms in one way, they push back against the front surface of the hub assembly. I assume this is how they're supposed to be, correct? If I flip them around, there's a big gap next to the hub assembly.

Which brings me to the second question. In my bag of parts from when I removed them, there are about five large flat washers. This in addition to the four on the bolt through the shock. I don't see these in the parts diagram. I see a reference to them being used as spacers next to the shock to get the shock close to vertical. Is this what they likely are? Any opinions?

Thanks.

--Rob

[jlmullen2]

Hi Rob:
From your description it sounds like you are talking about the rear lower control arms and not the front, correct?

If it is the rears you are refitting, I think the only way they fit is the correct way. They are angled slightly from the transmission mount to the lower hub mount and if you get them "backwards" I don't think they will fit. This assumes you have the stock control arms and not heim joint adjustable arms.

The extra washers act as spacers between the control arm and the hub mounting.

Of course, if you are working on the front control arms, none of this applies.

Maybe a photo would be of help to figure out what you are doing.

Larry Mullen

[4129R]

Look at my thread:-


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