Ridetech upper control arm issue

[timo]

Alright, I am at a loss here. I purchased someone's pro-touring project. Lots of parts, little directions. I have a 1969 Camaro (of course). I am installing an upper strongarm and the cross shaft has barely any threads for nut to bite on to. If I'm lucky, I can get half nut on but control arm cannot move. If I pull up with all might nut will start to come loose. It's like cross shaft is 1/2 - 1 inch too short. I know these are older arms. called ridetech, tech has been helpful given a few ideas but nothing has worked at a loss here and I have a complete ridetech front end to install and cannot until this issue is resolved. Any ideas???

[Josh@Ridetech]

Hey Tim,

I just saw/commented on your post over on our forum this morning too. I would like to get the spread dimension on the control arm (inside to inside dimension on the bushing sleeves) so I can make sure that everything is within spec. All of my contact information is in my signature under this post, you're welcome to get in direct contact with me and I'll get you squared away!

Here is the measurement I would like to get from you when you get time.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Anything is possible when buying someone else's project. This is just an idea that I thought of and perhaps it was discussed when you spoke with the tech department at ridetech, but is there any chance that you were given the wrong cross shafts with the project car? Might be worth speaking with them again and confirm part dimensions with what they include as part of that kit and compare with what you received. Any discrepancies should reveal what the issue is.

[ra11ysport]

Something dont look right
http://i.imgur.com/WpvvMkx.jpg?1

[b17brian]

Those cross shafts don't look anything like the ones I purchased November 2015.

[timo]

Nope its an older arm so wont look the same. my fault really. When you buy someone else's project you get what you get. Maybe ridetech will sell me new crossshaft with bearings, or may just have to bite bullet and get new upper. Just hope it fits older lower arm. Just waiting on ridetech, maybe I'll hear from them in next few days

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nope its an older arm so wont look the same. my fault really. When you buy someone else's project you get what you get. Maybe ridetech will sell me new crossshaft with bearings, or may just have to bite bullet and get new upper. Just hope it fits older lower arm. Just waiting on ridetech, maybe I'll hear from them in next few days

Tim,

I found that the 9" dimension that you gave me on the spread of the arm is correct. With the older arms, we used a thin mechanical lock nut to tighten the cross shaft. The rubber bushings should compress enough to allow the nut to "lock" in on the cross shaft. From what I'm seeing so far, everything looks correct!