Remove and replace the lower control arm on a 1966 Corvette, including disconnection of the ball joint, shock absorber, and control arm pivot bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower ball joint (if not included with control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bushings (if not pre-installed) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — 1/8" diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Apply penetrating oil to all lower control arm fasteners, ball joint castle nut, and shock absorber lower mount
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at factory lift point on frame
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front crossmember
7. Remove front wheel completely
8. Verify suspension is fully extended and spring is unloaded before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat to support it during disassembly. The coil spring seats on the lower control arm and remains under compression; the jack must firmly support and control the loaded control arm so the spring is managed safely when the ball joint is separated and the arm is removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect the shock absorber lower mount
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and nut using a wrench and socket. The shock lower mount attaches through the lower control arm. Remove the single bolt and retain the hardware. Allow the shock to hang free or wire it up out of the way.
3. 3

   Remove the stabilizer bar link
   If equipped with a front stabilizer bar, disconnect the stabilizer link from the lower control arm. Remove the link bolt, washers, and bushings. Note the orientation and sequence of bushings and washers for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove the ball joint cotter pin and castle nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut completely using a socket. The castle nut threads onto the ball joint stud that projects through the steering knuckle.
5. 5

   Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle
   Insert a ball joint separator (pickle fork) between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm at the ball joint taper. Strike the separator with a hammer to drive it into the taper joint, breaking the connection. Alternatively, use a ball joint press tool. Once separated, the steering knuckle and spindle assembly will pivot upward on the upper ball joint. Support the brake assembly with wire if necessary to prevent strain on the brake hose.
6. 6

   Remove the front control arm pivot bolt
   Locate the front pivot bolt that secures the control arm to the front crossmember. This bolt passes through the front bushing of the control arm. Using a wrench to hold the bolt head and a socket on the nut, remove the nut completely, then withdraw the bolt. The bolt may require tapping with a hammer to free it from the bushing.
7. 7

   Remove the rear control arm pivot bolt
   Locate the rear pivot bolt that secures the control arm to the frame bracket. This bolt passes through the rear bushing of the control arm. Using a wrench to hold the bolt head and a socket on the nut, remove the nut completely, then withdraw the bolt. The bolt may be seized in the bushing; apply penetrating oil and use a brass drift to drive it out if necessary.
8. 8

   Lower and remove the control arm
   Slowly lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. As the jack lowers, guide the control arm downward and away from the coil spring. Once clear of the spring and crossmember, remove the control arm from under the vehicle. Inspect the coil spring and spring seat for damage or wear.
9. 9

   Prepare the new control arm
   Inspect the new control arm to verify it includes bushings and ball joint (or install separately if required). Clean the pivot bolt holes and ball joint mounting area on the steering knuckle using a wire brush. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the pivot bolt threads.
10. 10

    Install the new control arm into position
    Position the floor jack under the new control arm near the spring seat. Guide the control arm up into position, aligning the rear bushing with the frame bracket mounting hole. Raise the jack slowly to compress the coil spring slightly and align the front bushing with the crossmember mounting hole. The ball joint stud should be positioned to project through the steering knuckle.
11. 11

    Install the pivot bolts
    Insert the front pivot bolt through the crossmember and control arm bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt finger-tight. Insert the rear pivot bolt through the frame bracket and control arm bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt finger-tight. Do not torque these bolts yet; they must be tightened with the suspension at normal ride height.
12. 12

    Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle
    Guide the ball joint stud through the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut onto the ball joint stud and torque to the factory specification (verify value in the 1966 Corvette shop manual), then advance the nut only as needed to align the cotter pin slot. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure. If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until alignment is achieved.
13. 13

    Reconnect the shock absorber and stabilizer link
    Position the lower shock absorber mount to the control arm and install the mounting bolt and nut. Tighten securely. If equipped with a stabilizer bar, reconnect the stabilizer link to the control arm with bushings, washers, and bolt in the correct sequence noted during removal. Tighten securely.
14. 14

    Load the suspension and torque pivot bolts
    Lower the vehicle onto the wheels so the suspension is at normal ride height, or use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm to simulate normal ride height load. With the suspension loaded, torque the front and rear control arm pivot bolts to specification. This is critical to prevent premature bushing failure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification (75-85 ft-lb typical for 1966 Corvette)
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground
3. Bounce the front suspension several times to settle components
4. Re-check all fastener torque values with suspension at ride height

Verification

• Verify the ball joint cotter pin is properly installed and bent
• Confirm all pivot bolts are torqued to specification with suspension loaded
• Check that shock absorber and stabilizer link are securely fastened
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking, popping, or unusual noises from front suspension
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified shop; control arm replacement will affect camber and caster settings

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