Porterbuilt control arm question

[baclay9]

I am in the process of mocking up my new control arms and have a question. Not really sure which way the uppers go on. I know what the top and bottom is but am not sure which is the front and back. These look different than all the other ones I can find pictures of on here. The others I can find look like a triangle and these have bends and look like they could push the ball joint forward or back depending on which way you mount them.






I know I can call the shop tomorrow and will if nobody knows but I figured someone here could line me out.

[baclay9]

All the pics I can find they look like this. Guess I have a newer version...

[lolife99]

Looks like Brooks has the newest version on his chassis.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=485198&page=9
Do these pics help?

[baclay9]

Yes, thanks man!

[BuiltByBrooks]

The arms on my truck were built by me. I just wanted to throw that out there so nobody gets mad if they see mine at a show or on the net and they order some from porterbuilt and they don't look the same. LoL...

[baclay9]

OK, I feel really stupid having to ask this but I just want to be sure I get this right. I put the bushings in my upper control arms and there is a gap. Granted it isn't tightend up yet, will it pull them together or am I missing something?




Also, I am still not sure which side is which. Can anyone tell me with any certainty from the picture?

[baclay9]

I just realized the control arm is upside down in that pic so that probably doesn't help anyone help me too much

[baclay9]

OK, tightened everything up and the gaps closed up. I was just nervous. Installed the control arms on the sides I thought they went on. Does this look right on the drivers side?

[BuiltByBrooks]

That is the passenger side arm you have shown, bolted on the driver side picture.
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by BuiltByBrooks

That is the passenger side arm you have shown, bolted on the driver side picture.
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There you go,... from the man himself.

[baclay9]

Thank you guys. That would have not been good...
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[baclay9]

Can y'all tell me what these little guys are for? They were in the same bag as the 5/8 lower control arm bolts but do not fit the bolts. I watched an install of the lower control arm on Youtube and they were not mentioned.

I believe they are listed on the inventory sheet as 9/16 to 1/2 inch reducer bushing. I can't see where they go...

[SCOTI]

Upper a-arm studs were 1/2" for 1/2 ton trucks; 9/16" for larger trucks. My guess is they're to allow the arms to fit either stock x-member.
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[baclay9]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Upper a-arm studs were 1/2" for 1/2 ton trucks; 9/16" for larger trucks. My guess is they're to allow the arms to fit either stock x-member.
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BINGO! I was actually out in the garage installing them when you typed that. I remembered thinking it was weird there was so much play on the studs. All good now
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[lolife99]

I'm learning alot in this thread.

[baclay9]

I think this is thought of as self explanatory but it just isn't to me. I am so glad to have a great resource for info. You can call the shop anytime and they are more than happy to help but I hate calling for every little thing. If I bug them too much over these control arms they might not sell me the trailing arms, might not be worth me bugging them...LMAO.
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[oldman3]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I'm learning alot in this thread.

So am I, now if I can just remember it when I need too...Jim

[lolife99]

It looks like the Porterbuilt products designs are changing to speed up production and make these a-arm fit many trucks.
The cross shaft bushings are a great idea.
One arm fits both 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks.

Also noticed the extra holes in the lower a-arm bag plates.
I assume this is to allow the same arm to be used for bags or coilovers.
Great production idea,... but also lets the consumer change his mind later on if desired.

[baclay9]

Just to add to this, the bottom of the bag bolts up with 1 bolt and goes on the inner most hole on the lower control arm, closest to the cent of the truck. This is of course when using the stock crossmember and bag plates. The top of the bag bolts to the plate with 2 bolts.
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[brandy hickman]

I finally got mine installed. It was a very fustrating experience, a set of instructions with pictures would have been very helpfull. I got everything installed and was in the process of putting my spindles back on when I realized PB sent the wrong lower ball joints. Needless to say after several cuss words and walking away for a week, I replaced them with correct ball joints and everything went back together as planned. I ended up bolting my bags to the lower control arm using the center hole, the inner hole did not line up anywhere near my bags.

[brandy hickman]

Also had issues aligning the front end. The "hat" that connects to the frame where the upper control arm shafts attach had to be ground down on the ends. They would not allow the shafts to fit up against the frame.

[brandy hickman]

I dont want people to think I hate PB products. I just ordered a stage II rear setup, I am just not going to install it

[RRC]

So it should look like this??

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by RRC

So it should look like this??

Correct.
The centerline of the balljoint is closer to the front a-arm bolt hole.

[RRC]

I just got mine today....thought i would post a pic to try and help