Chevrolet LIGHT DUTY TRUCK (SERIES 10-35) Service Manual page 307

3C-20 FRONT SUSPENSION
Fig. 3C -27~ D iscon necting Ball J o in ts -T y p ic al
1. Install new bushings as shown in Figure 3C-26 using
spacer J-24435-6, installer J-24435-4 and
24435-7.
2. Turn clamp in until bushing seats firmly.
Be sure outer tube hole is to the front or forwards to
the staked bushing.
Be sure spacer J-24435-6 is in position as
NOTICE:
shown in Figure 3C-26 to avoid collapsing control arm
during assembly.
3. Stake front bushing at least in two places when
installed.
4. Insert the pivot shaft and install second bushing.
5. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle as
described under "Lower Control Arm - Installation", being
sure to torque all fasteners to the proper specification.
Lower Control Arm Installation
CAUTION: See CAUTION on page 1 of
this section regarding
referred to in steps 2 and 3.
1. Install lower ball stud through steering knuckle and
tighten nut.
2. Install spring and control arm as outlined under
spring installation.
3. Torque lower control arm ball stud to specifications
and install cotter pin.
4. Install brake caliper assembly if removed (see section
5).
5. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
BALL JOINT SERVICE-ON VEHICLE
Ball Jo in t-ln sp ectio n
The upper ball stud is spring loaded in its socket. This
minimizes looseness at this point and compensates for
normal wear, if the upper stud has any perceptible lateral
shake, or if it can be twisted in its socket with the fingers,
the upper ball joint should be replaced.
LIG H T T R U C K SER V IC E M ANUAL
clamp J-
"C"
the fasteners
Fig. 3C -28--C otter Pin Installatio n
Upper-Removal
1. Raise vehicle on hoist. If a frame hoist is used, it will
be necessary to support the lower control arm with a floor
jack.
2. Remove cotter pin from upper ball stud and loosen
stud nut (two turns) but do not remove nut.
3. Install J-23742 between the ball studs as shown in
Figure 3C-27.
It is necessary to remove the brake caliper assembly
and wire it to the frame to gain clearance for tool J-23742.
See section 5 for the proper procedure.
4. Be sure lower control arm is supported as pointed
out in step 1. Extend bolt from Tool J-23742 to loosen ball
stud in steering knuckle. When stud is loose, remove tool
and stud nut.
5. Center punch rivet heads and drill out rivets.
6 . Remove the ball joint assembly.
Installation
CAUTION: See CAUTION on page 1 of
this section regarding the fasteners
referred to in steps 1, 3 and 6.
1. Install new service ball joint, using bolts and nuts
supplied with joint, to upper arm. Torque nuts to 45 ft. lbs.
2. Mate ball stud to steering knuckle and install stud
nut.
3. Torque the ball stud nut as follows:
A. 10 Series 40-60 ft. lbs. plus additional torque to
align cotter pin not to exceed 90 ft. lbs. Never back off to
align cotter pin.
B. 20-30 Series 80-100 ft. lbs. plus additional torque
to align cotter pin not to exceed 130 ft. lbs. Never back off
to align cotter pin.
4. Install new cotter pin as shown in Figure 3C-28.
5. Install lube fitting and lube new joint.
. Install brake caliper assembly if removed (see section
6
5).
7. Install tire and wheel assembly.
. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
8
Ball Join t-ln sp ectio n
Lower
Lower ball joints are a loose fit when not connected to
the steering knuckle. Wear may be checked without
disassembling the ball stud, as follows:
1. Support weight of control arms at wheel hub and
drum.