|
|
Based on parts manuals,
there were three different styles of upper control arms in the F-Body cars
between 1970 and 1981. They all appear to be interchangeable through out
this year span so long as you swap the whole arm and pivot shaft. I only
have two of the styles on hand. I set this display
up (see below) so you can see the difference between the two styles of
upper control arms. They fit 1970 thru 1981 GM F-Body cars.
Parts manuals suggests (for Camaro) there were three styles
Style one ran 1970 thru 1973,
Style two ran 1974 thru 1980,
Style three ran 1980 thru 1981
Mid year 1980 there was a change over
The first style (early) Upper
control arm (the one on the right),
had round bushings on the
front and rear of the control arm. The bushings were the same front
and back and pressed flush up against the arm. The bushings measured 1.32
inches.
In addition the pivot arm for this upper control arm has these
differences: Overall length is shorter (length is 15 1/8 inches) then the pivot arm for the
later upper control arm, and the distance between the bushing stops is
longer (bushing stop to stop is 10 inches). The holes to mount the pivot arm to the frame are the same distance
apart for both styles.
The second style (later)
Upper
control arm (the one on the left) .
The big difference is that one of the
bushings is "stepped" so that it will not press in flush with the arm. The
rear bushing measured 1.32 inches,
the front "stepped" bushing measured 1.40 inches.
In addition the pivot arm
for this upper control arm has these differences: Overall length is longer
then the pivot arm for the earlier upper control arm, and the distance
between the bushing stops is shorter. The holes to mount the pivot arm to
the frame are the same distance apart for both styles.
The arms appear to have the same configuration, I would have to
believe they are interchangeable with out modifications if the whole arm
assemble is swapped.
The information listed
below is based on my "Hollander Interchange 43rd Edition and 53rd
Editions". It is valid thru
1986.
The cars listed below had these arms in them
Camaro 1970 thru 1981,
Firebird 1970 thru 1981,
Apollo 1975,
Century 1973 thru 1977,
Chevelle 1973 thru 1977,
Cutlass 1973 thru 1977,
Grand Prix 1973 thru 1977,
LeMans 1973 thru 1977,
Monte Carlo 1973 thru 1977,
Nova 1975 thru 1979,
Omega 1975 thru 1979,
Phoenix 1977 thru 1979,
Regal 1973 thru 1977,
Riviera 1971 thru 1976,
Seville 1976,
Skylark 1975 thru 1979,
Sprint (GMC) 1973 thru 1977,
Ventura II 1975 thru 1977
If you click the
pictures below they will enlarge
 |
The
pivot arm for the "Late" upper control arm has these differences:
Overall length is shorter then the pivot arm for the early
upper control arm
The distance between the bushing stops is longer
The holes to mount the pivot arm to the frame are the same distance
apart for both styles.
CLICK THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE FOR
CLOSE EXAMINATION |
Additional pictures of arms
and their bushings
Click to enlarge
|
