IML: Removing/Replacing A-arm Bushings

[Joe Strickland <jwstrick426@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was able to buy the exact busing remove/install tools (C-3710 or 
C-3669 with adapter SP-3233A) from Miller Special Tools Co. years ago. 
They are still in business and will sell directly to the end 
user/restorer etc.  The tools they supply are made of hardened steel and 
are much better to use than steel flat washers.  Flat washers are 
normally rather soft steel and will change shape when exposed to the 
forces required to remove and install the bushings in an Imperial.  The 
tools mentioned in the service manual are used on a good number of year 
models of Imperials and also Dodge vans and trucks.

A note on removing the A-arm bolts:  Be sure to watch the ends of the 
bolts!  If you turn the wrong end of the bolt you may damage the front 
end adjustment arrangement.  The end of the bolt which has the hex head 
has an eccentric washer (called a cam in the service manual) welded to 
the bolt head.  The shaft of the bolt has a flat side and on the end 
with the free nut there is another eccentric washer which has a flat 
side that fits against a flat side of the bolt shaft.  Care must be 
exercised to make sure that you do not allow the bolt head to turn while 
removing the free nut on the far end!  If the bolt head is allowed to 
turn too much it will damage the dished in adjustment washer that is 
welded to the A-arm frame extension.

The dished in washer welded to the frame in combination with the 
eccentric washers on the A-arm bolt is what provides the ability to 
adjust camber.  It provides a fixed center point that the adjustment 
bolt/cam can push against when a front end alignment is done.

If you are having a mechanic do the work, be sure he understands the 
special construction of the bolts and cam washers and their purpose so 
that he won't damage your car's frame.

Joe S.


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