Upper ball joints on a 69 Dart

[DART VADER]

I am doing the front suspension on my 69 Dart. I bought the polyurethane kit from PST. I have the front all apart and I am sandblasting the upper A-arms. Is there anything I should be aware of when reinstalling the new bushings and the upper ball joint?

Thanks.

[69DartW250]

While you're sandblasting them, can you please take note as to whether or not there is any evidence of factory black paint on them, and post your findings? I've read that upper control arms were unpainted from the factory, but maybe you can tell as the sand removes all the gunk if there was any paint originally on yours. Mine were sandblasted before I bought my car so I have no way of telling.

When pressing in the bushings, it is important to support the arm in such a way as not to crush the arm making it impossible to reinstall.

Also, you'll need a special tool to install the upper ball joint if you don't already have one. I also need this tool so I can install mine.

Good Luck!

George

[DART VADER]

What kind of tool? I have it screwed in already. After sandblasting it went in smoothly. Do I need that tool to install the rubber boot cover?

As for the color, it did have some kind of black undercoating. It was thick and took a little bit of work to get what was left of it off.
Hope this helps.

[jbarker]

What kind of tool? I have it screwed in already. After sandblasting it went in smoothly. Do I need that tool to install the rubber boot cover?

As you found out, you don't really need to use a special tool.  They sell a weird shaped socket to screw the ball joint in, but you can just use a pipe wrench or big channel locks.

[DART VADER]

What kind of tool? I have it screwed in already. After sandblasting it went in smoothly. Do I need that tool to install the rubber boot cover?

As you found out, you don't really need to use a special tool.  They sell a weird shaped socket to screw the ball joint in, but you can just use a pipe wrench or big channel locks.

I used a 3 foot long adjustible wrench. Plenty of leverage. The old one came off with no hassles.

[jet-taz]

hey dart vader i'am in worcester ma. and got the special socket. bring the arms to me and we can install them.

[A13Dart]

I have always been able to leave/use the outer bushing shells.  I just remove the original rubber and install the poly.

[DART VADER]

I let the bushings soak in WD 40 for the weekend and then I clamped the outer bushing casing in a big vise and twisted it until it was loose. After that I used a bearing press and they came out. I used heat on one of them but that's about it.

Jet-taz, Thanks but I was able to get the new one on pretty easily after I sandblasted the A-arm. It cleaned it up pretty good.

Being that close to me though, we should hook up for a cruise night this summer.

[x360x64dart]

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=2190&itemType=PRODUCT This stuff is awesome way better than wd 40. "Sili Kroil" I think if you buy it straight from the manufacturer you can buy a case and they give you a break on the price. I think even by the can its cheaper from the manufacturer. Not that you asked or anything, just thought id throw it out there.