Front Axle / Front Suspension: Control arm rebuild tools

[doubledaddy]

I need to rebuild the control arms on a 51 champion but do not have the spreader tools listed in the shop manual. My question is this, is there any other way to do this? I can devise a tool that will spread the arms but would like to be sure this is ok. Any help would be great. Thanks

doubledaddy

[unclemiltie]

What is the number of the tool recommended in the shop manual?

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Bob Johnstones Studebaker Tech Site has a picture and info on building a homemade "suspension spreader tool".
Is that the tool you are looking for ?

[41 Frank]

Chuck Collins at studebakerparts.com has the spreader tool available for $35.00.

[JoeHall]

I have to replace the upper control arm bushings in a GT this weekend. Just replaced them 15 months and 13,000 miles ago but made the mistake of installing NOS bushings. Two of the four are now trashed, so I'll just replace all the uppers (lowers still OK).

This is probably my 20th set of bushings installed, so I've kinda got it down. Tools I use: air chisel with dull chisel to get the old ones out. Combo of 1" drive sockets & extensions, baby sledge, and a vice to install the new ones.

Better believe repro bushings will be used. I am done with 50 year old, NOS rubber.

[1962larksedan]

I have to replace the upper control arm bushings in a GT this weekend. Just replaced them 15 months and 13,000 miles ago but made the mistake of installing NOS bushings. Two of the four are now trashed, so I'll just replace all the uppers (lowers still OK).

This is probably my 20th set of bushings installed, so I've kinda got it down. Tools I use: air chisel with dull chisel to get the old ones out. Combo of 1" drive sockets & extensions, baby sledge, and a vice to install the new ones.

Better believe repro bushings will be used. I am done with 50 year old, NOS rubber.

Now for weird: I bought a set of new lower control arm bushings for my (late) 1962 Lark from NAPA of all places about one year ago, yet they had no listing for the uppers. Supposedly; 1964-72 Chevelle uppers will work but don't quote me on that.

[doubledaddy]

There are several tools listed in the 51 shop manual. It states both ends of both arms must be spread .015" when installing the shaft bushings to prevent binding. Even if I could find all of these I suspect the cost would be a bit more then I can swing. Any thoughts?


J-4677 For the lower arm inside
J-2044 For the lower arm outside

J-3957 For the upper arm inside
J-3957-7 Adapter for above
J-3957-8 Adapter for above

[JoeHall]

There are several tools listed in the 51 shop manual. It states both ends of both arms must be spread .015" when installing the shaft bushings to prevent binding. Even if I could find all of these I suspect the cost would be a bit more then I can swing. Any thoughts?


J-4677 For the lower arm inside
J-2044 For the lower arm outside

J-3957 For the upper arm inside
J-3957-7 Adapter for above
J-3957-8 Adapter for above

After re-reading your post, I now see you are talking about the OUTER, metal, screw in bushings, instead of the the INNER, rubber, press-in bushings. I only have a 1959-64 Shop Manual, which lists only one part number (J-2044) for one tool to spread the arms .015" for the outer bushings. I have always heard 1951 and up suspensions are the same, but do not know for sure. If they are the same, the J-2044 is the one someone else referred to for $35, and will work for you. It is hard to substitute that tool, so you may have to spend the $35.

[HammondA100]

Chuck Collins at studebakerparts.com has the spreader tool available for $35.00.

Yep, I too had success with this tool.

[showbizkid]

I have a step-by-step how-to on my blog, with photos, if that might be useful to you. Here's the link:

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com/2013/01/studebaker-front-end-rebuild-series.html

It's really not as hard as it sounds. Just read the shop manual, and get the J-2044 tool - that's the only special "Studebaker" tool you'll need for this job.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

doubledaddy...if the various posted comments don't seem to apply to your car, it is because they don't realize that a '51 has threaded steel INNER pins and bushings as well as threaded steel outer pins and bushings.

[showbizkid]

doubledaddy...if the various posted comments don't seem to apply to your car, it is because they don't realize that a '51 has threaded steel INNER pins and bushings as well as threaded steel outer pins and bushings.

so sorry...

[unclemiltie]

I have attached pictures of the needed tools. Hopefully this will help you devise your tools. If you want measurements etc I will be glad to provide them. On the first two spreaders, the one end moves out on each of them. I am sorry but I no longer loan out any of my tools.

[doubledaddy]

Thanks guys, I understand later cars use rubber bushings. I have two 50 and one 51 Champions, all basket cases, and a 50 two door in very good condition I just bought. I have the chassis from the 51 I have pretty much restored including the motor that was built by Bill Cathcart and a rebuilt DG150 automatic and rear axle. The motor has oversized pistions, valves, reground cam, duel intake and exhaust and a high compression aluminum head. It looks very cool with two oil bath air cleaners. Nothing like sticking a 350 or something in it but it is still a flathead 6 and all Studebaker. My intentions are to sit the new 50 body on the 51 frame. The only thing that does not bolt up is the front mounting holes for the front fendesr are not the same, but it looks like the 51 fenders will fit the 50 body and still accept the 50 grill. I'm going to find out later today. Anyway enough rambeling from me. Thanks again.