This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8, including ball joint separation and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower ball joint (if not included with control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bushing kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes soak time

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm as close to the ball joint as possible. Raise jack until it just begins to contact the arm but does not lift the vehicle. This will support the weight of the control arm and spring during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt from the lower control arm using a 15/16 inch socket and breaker bar. The shock can be swung up and out of the way. If the stud spins, hold it with a wrench while removing the nut.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Remove the stabilizer bar link bolt or nut that connects to the lower control arm using a 1/2 inch socket. Support the link to prevent it from falling. The link remains attached to the stabilizer bar.
4. 4

   Install coil spring compressor
   Install a coil spring compressor through the coils of the spring according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully seated on the spring coils and positioned symmetrically. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating sides to maintain even compression, until spring tension is relieved from the spring pocket in the frame crossmember. Compress until there is visible gap between spring and the upper frame seat.
5. 5

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the lower ball joint stud first. Then remove the castle nut from the stud using the appropriate socket (verify size against the actual fastener). Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, drive the tool between the steering knuckle and the lower ball joint to break the taper fit. The knuckle will separate from the ball joint stud when the taper releases.
6. 6

   Lower control arm and remove spring
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. The control arm will pivot downward on its frame mounts. Once lowered sufficiently, remove the compressed coil spring and spring compressor as an assembly. Set aside in a safe location.
7. 7

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Remove the front control arm mounting bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the front bushing of the control arm. This bolt is accessed from the front of the control arm. Use a 15/16 inch socket and breaker bar. The bolt head may require a backup wrench to prevent spinning.
8. 8

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Remove the rear control arm mounting bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the rear bushing of the control arm. This bolt is accessed from the rear of the control arm. Use a 15/16 inch socket and breaker bar. Support the control arm as the bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
9. 9

   Remove control arm
   Once both mounting bolts are removed, pull the lower control arm out and away from the frame brackets. Maneuver the arm past the brake components and steering linkage. Inspect the removed arm for damage, cracks, or excessive wear in the ball joint or bushings.
10. 10

    Prepare new control arm
    If the new control arm does not have bushings or ball joint pre-installed, press in new bushings using a hydraulic press or bushing installation tool. Ensure bushings are centered and seated fully. Install ball joint if separate, ensuring proper orientation and torque per manufacturer instructions.
11. 11

    Install new control arm to frame
    Position the new lower control arm into the frame brackets. Insert the front mounting bolt through the frame bracket and front bushing, threading it in a few turns. Insert the rear mounting bolt through the frame bracket and rear bushing, threading it in a few turns. Do not fully tighten at this time.
12. 12

    Install coil spring
    With the spring still compressed, position it into the lower control arm spring pocket, ensuring the spring end is properly seated in the pocket index. Use the floor jack to raise the control arm, guiding the upper end of the spring into the frame crossmember spring seat. Verify proper spring alignment at both upper and lower seats.
13. 13

    Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
    Continue raising the floor jack to bring the lower ball joint stud up through the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut onto the ball joint stud and tighten to proper specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the pin ends to secure.
14. 14

    Release spring tension
    With the ball joint connected and castle nut secured, slowly release the coil spring compressor in small increments, alternating sides to maintain even release. Monitor that the spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower pockets as tension is released. Once fully released, remove the spring compressor.
15. 15

    Reconnect shock absorber and stabilizer link
    Install the lower shock absorber mounting bolt through the control arm and tighten securely. Reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the lower control arm and install the mounting bolt or nut, tightening securely.
16. 16

    Torque control arm mounting bolts
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (either wheels installed and vehicle on ground, or jack supporting control arm at ride height), torque the front and rear lower control arm mounting bolts to specification. These bolts must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.

Reassembly

1. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely
4. Perform alignment check and adjustment as control arm replacement affects camber and caster settings

Verification

• Bounce front end of vehicle to verify spring is properly seated and no unusual noises are present
• Verify all fasteners are tight and cotter pin is properly installed on ball joint
• Check for proper clearance between control arm and frame throughout suspension travel
• Road test vehicle at low speed to verify proper handling and no unusual noises or vibrations
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted by qualified technician

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