Chevrolet 1977 light duty truck Service Manual page 297

CAUTION: Be sure spacer J -24435-6 is in
position as shown in Figure 3C-26 to avoid
collapsing control arm during assembly.
3. Install one bushing then insert the pivot shaft
and install second bushing.
4. Stake front bushing at least in two places w hen
installed.
5. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle as
described u nder "Lower Control Arm - Installation",
being sure to torque all
specification.
Lower Control Arm Installation
CAUTION: See C A U T IO N on page I o f this
section regarding the fa steners referred to in
steps 2 a n d 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 specifica­
tions an d install cotter pin.
4. Install brake caliper assembly if removed (see
section 5).
5. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
BALL J O IN T S E R V IC E -O N VEHICLE
Ball J o in t— Inspection
T he 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 jo in t should be replaced.
Upper—Removal
1. Raise vehicle on hoist. If a fram e hoist is used,
it will be necessary to support the lower control arm with
a floor jack.
R E M O V E
U P P ER
J- 2 3 7 4 2 ,
fasteners to the proper
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.
NOTE: It is necessary to remove the brake caliper
assembly and wire it to the fram e to gain clearance
for tool J-23742. See section 5 for the proper
procedure.
CAUTION: Before proceeding with Step 4, be
sure lower control arm is supported as pointed
out in Step I .
4. Extend bolt from Tool J-23742 to loosen ball
stud in steering knuckle. W hen stud is loose, remove tool
and stud nut.
5. Center punch rivet heads and drill out rivets.
6. Remove the ball jo in t assembly.
Installation
CAUTION: See C A U T IO N on page 1 o f this
section regarding the fasteners referred to in
steps /, 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 an d 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.
5. Install lube fitting and lube new joint.
6. Install brake caliper assembly if removed (see
section 5).
7. Install tire and wheel assembly.
8. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
Ball Joint— Inspection
Lower
Lower ball joints are a loose fit when not connected
to the steering knuckle. W e a r m ay be checked without
disassembling the ball stud, as follows:
1. Support weight o f control arms at wheel hub
and drum.
2. Accurately measure distance between tip o f ball
stud and tip o f grease fitting below ball joint.
3. Move support to control arm to allow wheel hub
and d rum to hang free. Measure distance as in Step 2. If
the difference in measurements exceeds .094" (3 /3 2 " ) for
all models, ball jo in t is w orn and should be replaced
(Fig. 3C-28).
Lower—Removal
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. If a fram e hoist is used
it will be necessary to support the lower control arm with
a floor stand.