Easy method to index Control Arm Mounting Brackets

[donagain1]

Having just completed replacing the Control Arm bushings in my '85, came up with a quick and easy method to ensure that the arm's mounting brackets return to their original positions.

Indexing the mounting flanges on the control arms, it is important to have the arms reinstall in the same position they were before... something about the pre-load on the bushings. If you don't want to use a protractor, bevel gauge, digital level, or make your own template, you can do what I did, and it worked very well.

PRIOR to removing the brackets from the old rubber, take a hacksaw and saw a notch in both the arm and the bracket flanges at the same time, maybe a couple mm deep. After the notches are made smear some putty, typewriter correction fluid, white paint, whatever you got into the notch and wipe off the adjoining surfaces. It leaves you with an indexing mark on each piece that's easy to see and align when you press them back on with the new rubber. I put one notch on each of the right arm pieces and two on the lefts, so every piece went back on the way it came off. It takes only a few minutes to do this and eliminates any fumbling around for angles during reassembly.

[tperazzo]

Cool tip. How do you know the bushings were installed correctly before arm removal? Were they factory original? Is the ride height stock?

[donagain1]

Faith, brother, pure faith! I've driven the car since 1998 with them in that position and the ride height was just fine.