Question.

Can 65-70 full size front upper control arm bushings be replaced "in car".
Can I change them without popping the upper ball joint, and potentially damaging it's seal?

-- Edited by cdnpont on Thursday 18th of March 2010 09:26:52 PM

I've replaced these bushings several times; and also had them replaced by shops. In all cases the control arm had to be out of the car to enable the new ones to be gradually pressed in. I used a hydraulic jack against a fixture.

To get the ball joints out of the spindle without damage I have had success with a homemade tool consisting of large long bolts with deep (3") nuts. I turned the bolt against the tip of the upper ball joint (with nut off the top ball joint), using the fixed and jack-supported lower control arm to screw against.  

Good idea about the homade jackbolt. I'd never have thought of that.
I've done bushings on the bench before. No biggie there.

Given that the space is tight in the area of the bushing and shaft, I'll just pull the arms. Dumb to even consider it. I actually have a spare set of arms and some TRW ball joints. Maybe I'll just "pre build" a set of arms and do it all in a day.

The jack bolt is a great idea, once you have it 'loaded' a few beefy taps with your blacksmith hammer,,and it should go 'pop' I love sound effects...