Left Control Arm

Bamer36 · 08-29-2009, 06:44 AM

I'm looking to change my lower Left control arm and i was wondering if anyone had a website where i can buy it and if there where any post in here on how to replace the control I have a 84 GMC C1500 2WD.

bradrhale · 08-29-2009, 01:39 PM

any particular reason on why you are wanting to replace it?? the upper is quite easy to replace however the lower tends to be a bit trickier as these have either the coil spring or torsion bar on them. usually the only reason for replacement of this is due to physical damage. they do not wear out. the control arm bushing will brittle and harden overtime but this should be evident if you develop uneven tire wear.

mudseeker · 08-29-2009, 02:18 PM

those are a pain in the ***, even on a hoist. bolts are usually seized to the bushing and don't want to come out.

Bamer36 · 08-29-2009, 05:17 PM

The reason is i just bought the truck and took it off the guys hand for 900 cause he broke the lower left control arm when he hit a median and it does have a coil spring.

bradrhale · 08-29-2009, 05:59 PM

coil spring = dangerous when released. there is so much energy stored in just one of those that if one were to be let loose, it could rip your head off.

hotrodpc · 08-30-2009, 01:23 AM

hahaha, you guys are gonne scare him to death and he is gonna punt. Good to emphasis on the danger, because YES YOU CAN LOSE YOUR LIFE doing it, but it can certainly be done safely even without a spring compressor, but for the safest way, DO Use a spring compressor. I usually simply put the truck frame on jack stands, then floor jack under the arm,about an 1/8in from the bottom of the A arm, then when it pops loose it hits the jack, then slowly let the jack down and the spring will fall out. Also put it back together in reverse order. DO be careful the spring is in the right place as you are ******* it up. If Not, BAMM, it will come flying out and if you are in the way, but if lucky, you will only have a long nap and come to some time or day, rather than not at all. So do be careful, and keep all kids, dogs and anyone you care about out of the way.

Oh Lord, we can not say Jack ing it up either???

hotrodpc · 08-30-2009, 01:38 AM

OH and BTW, Welcome to the forum, and lets give the guy a hand.

He actually gave detail of what he is working on, year, make, model and description of part. So he needs a Lower Left A arm for a 84 1/2 ton 2wd. How often does that happen? Especially for a Newbie. Most would say I need a A arm for a GMC anybody have one? IF you can't find one, do get back with me. I bet I can find one real close if need be. Like about 25-30 steps from where I am sitting right now. It just may not be worth my time and efforts to take it off, then not be able to move this chassis around since it would only be 3 legged. Actually single legged, the rear end had already been sold, but I still move it around with the chassis on a wagon.

bradrhale · 08-30-2009, 06:40 AM

addition to hotrods post, if he will permit me. if you choose to try this, might i suggest taking a good chain and wrapping it into the spring and maybe the frame so that it wont travel far and get you. good insurance policy is what i am looking at.

hotrodpc · 08-30-2009, 09:16 AM

hahaha, if I will permit... Good idea. I'd think he'd need to do that on 2 sides of the springs though to be effective.

bradrhale · 08-30-2009, 09:22 AM

safety first. my HR director told me that safety starts with U. and they call me stoopid.

08-29-2009, 06:44 AM	#1
Bamer36 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las vegas Posts: 2	Left Control Arm I'm looking to change my lower Left control arm and i was wondering if anyone had a website where i can buy it and if there where any post in here on how to replace the control I have a 84 GMC C1500 2WD.

08-29-2009, 02:18 PM	#3
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,374	those are a pain in the ***, even on a hoist. bolts are usually seized to the bushing and don't want to come out. __________________ i'd rather be hunting

08-30-2009, 01:23 AM	#6
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	hahaha, you guys are gonne scare him to death and he is gonna punt. Good to emphasis on the danger, because YES YOU CAN LOSE YOUR LIFE doing it, but it can certainly be done safely even without a spring compressor, but for the safest way, DO Use a spring compressor. I usually simply put the truck frame on jack stands, then floor jack under the arm,about an 1/8in from the bottom of the A arm, then when it pops loose it hits the jack, then slowly let the jack down and the spring will fall out. Also put it back together in reverse order. DO be careful the spring is in the right place as you are ***** it up. If Not, BAMM, it will come flying out and if you are in the way, but if lucky, you will only have a long nap and come to some time or day, rather than not at all. So do be careful, and keep all kids, dogs and anyone you care about out of the way. Oh Lord, we can not say Jack ing it up either??? __________________ Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!**

08-30-2009, 01:38 AM	#7
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	OH and BTW, Welcome to the forum, and lets give the guy a hand.He actually gave detail of what he is working on, year, make, model and description of part. So he needs a Lower Left A arm for a 84 1/2 ton 2wd. How often does that happen? Especially for a Newbie. Most would say I need a A arm for a GMC anybody have one? IF you can't find one, do get back with me. I bet I can find one real close if need be. Like about 25-30 steps from where I am sitting right now. It just may not be worth my time and efforts to take it off, then not be able to move this chassis around since it would only be 3 legged. Actually single legged, the rear end had already been sold, but I still move it around with the chassis on a wagon. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

08-30-2009, 09:16 AM	#9
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	hahaha, if I will permit... Good idea. I'd think he'd need to do that on 2 sides of the springs though to be effective. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

08-29-2009, 01:39 PM	#2
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	any particular reason on why you are wanting to replace it?? the upper is quite easy to replace however the lower tends to be a bit trickier as these have either the coil spring or torsion bar on them. usually the only reason for replacement of this is due to physical damage. they do not wear out. the control arm bushing will brittle and harden overtime but this should be evident if you develop uneven tire wear.

08-29-2009, 05:17 PM	#4
Bamer36 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las vegas Posts: 2	The reason is i just bought the truck and took it off the guys hand for 900 cause he broke the lower left control arm when he hit a median and it does have a coil spring.

08-29-2009, 05:59 PM	#5
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	coil spring = dangerous when released. there is so much energy stored in just one of those that if one were to be let loose, it could rip your head off.

08-30-2009, 06:40 AM	#8
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	addition to hotrods post, if he will permit me. if you choose to try this, might i suggest taking a good chain and wrapping it into the spring and maybe the frame so that it wont travel far and get you. good insurance policy is what i am looking at.

08-30-2009, 09:22 AM	#10
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	safety first. my HR director told me that safety starts with U. and they call me stoopid.

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