[My2nd73Sprint]

The '73 GM service manual says to install the bushings, install the lower arm on the car, then after everything is tightened down, tack weld the front lower control arm bushings in two places to the arm.

Anyone ever follow through on this step? Or is this the first time you've heard it?

What would be the purpose?

[stu72]

The instructions I had said to tack weld if the factory bushings were tack welded. Mine were not so I didn't. There is really no way for the bushing shells to back out. They should be pressed in.

[My2nd73Sprint]

Originally Posted by stu72

The instructions I had said to tack weld if the factory bushings were tack welded. Mine were not so I didn't. There is really no way for the bushing shells to back out. They should be pressed in.

The ones I removed weren't tacked. I pressed the new ones in. They're really in there. Don't see how they could work their way out. Other bodied Pontiacs for the year required flaring one end of the bushing.

I mean I could get these tacked, but can't do that until front end's all together at curb height & tightened.

[71 Ventura II]

I was following the thread, I do not know for sure, but personal take would be not to tack. A true press fit won't go anywhere. JD

[My2nd73Sprint]

Originally Posted by 71 Ventura II

I was following the thread, I do not know for sure, but personal take would be not to tack. A true press fit won't go anywhere. JD

I don't know why I worry about things like this, but I always figure if they required it in the maint books, there must be a reason. I just can't figure this unless the X-body front lwr arm bushings were influenced by certain physical forces that made them prone to movement.

Same is with the placement of the lwr arm pivot bolts. Most books say to have the nuts towards the rear, but I'd seen one that said front ones nut points forward, rear ones nut points back.

I'm trying to think of a good example of something I've worked on in the past that had a seemingly small insignificant step that I left out that turned out to matter later. I'll get back with you on that....