[junkman]

I'm overhauling the front end and took both the upper and lower A-arms to a shop to have new bushings pressed in. The placement of the lower a-arms is clear based on the position of the sway bar link hole. However, I can't tell which upper arm goes to the passenger or drivers side. The arms appear to be dimensionally the same, but have a small hole (1/4 - 3/8 inch??) near the upper ball joint. Is there a driver side and passenger side upper or can they be switched side to side without a problem?

[junkman]

I'm overhauling the front end and took both the upper and lower A-arms to a shop to have new bushings pressed in. The placement of the lower a-arms is clear based on the position of the sway bar link hole. However, I can't tell which upper arm goes to the passenger or drivers side. The arms appear to be dimensionally the same, but have a small hole (1/4 - 3/8 inch??) near the upper ball joint. Is there a driver side and passenger side upper or can they be switched side to side without a problem?

[68 Prix]

Just went and looked at my 68 Grand Prix, and hole in the a arm by the big D shaped end is on the front on the drivers side and the rear on the passanger side. You are right they look the same. I did mine one at a time so I am unsure if they are the same or not though. If you need a picture to help you out let me know. Sorry I am not much help. Pat.

[junkman]

Thanks Pat,

Well I went ahead and just randomly put in the upper arms. Hope its the right way round as I don't want to wreck the ball joints to correct things.

[cujo]

When I removed my Upper and Lower A-Arms on my 71 LeMans I stamped a "P" on the passenger side A-Arms where they would not be seen when re-assembled. After sand blasting them I found the passenger side A-Arm had a "R" stamped on them and the drivers side had an "L". The upper A-Arms are marked on the top and the lower A-arms are marked on the bottom with respect to how they install on the car. Hope this helps.

[cujo]

If you do have to change them you should be able to remove the upper A-arms w/o damaging the ball joints, by placing a jack under the lower control arm to hold spring tension and loosen the upper ball joint nut a few turns and then let the floor jack down allowing the spring tension push down on the steering spindle (frame of car must be supported by a jack stand). You may need to tap the steering spindle with a rubber mallet to pop the ball joint free. Once free re-support the lower A-arm with jack and now you can swap the upper control arms. Hopefully the car gods were smiling on you and put them where they needed to be already.

[junkman]

Cujo,

Can you please give me a better idea where to look for the L and R stamped marks on the upper upside.

Anybody know if 68 full size would be similar to 71 lemans?

Junkman

[cujo]

On my upper A-arms the L and R was on the top side of the A-arm on the flat area close to the pivot shaft. On the lower A-Arms the mark is on the side that faces the ground and close to the pivot bushings. Since my freshly rebuilt A-Arms are still sitting on my work bench I will take some photos when I get home and post them here for you viewing pleasure.

[cujo]

Here are the pics I promised:

Lower Control Arm

Upper Control Arm

[junkman]

Thanks very much. I didn't find any marks last night in the dim light of the garage and didnt look where yours are marked. Did finish putting everything together and took a short ride. Seems OK.