I found the dimentions in an old chiltons manual, but it doesnt say how to install them or what they do. I'm guessing they support the suspension when you jack up the car? Do you have to weld them in place?
It might be supposed to be installed between the upper control arm and the frame to hold the arm and spring in place while removing the spindle. The Ford manual demonstrates how to use a wood block for this purpose.
What do you mean by upper control arm support? What are you trying to do? The upper control arm is used to carry and control the weight of the front of the car...
Well i guess i had a brain-fart, i figured it out just by looking at the picture.You know when you jack up a car from the frame, the suspension kinda hangs there and it not supported, to support it you usually place the jack under the lower control arm.But if you use a pair of UCA supports you can jack it up on the frame and the suspension will be suported,i hope that makes sense.
Yeah, as mentioned, the upper control arms support the weight of the car. So those things go between the frame and the UCA to hold up the suspension when you jack the wheels off the ground. Makes getting to the bolts a lot easier when working on the coil spring saddle or when you check the ball joints for excessive play it takes all the load off of them. I just use a 2x4 myself.
Ucas Here's a couple of pics with 2x4 as mentioned above. Since everything is painted black, kind of hard to tell but maybe can see enough.
I've never used one or wood and never had a problem taking the front end apart, although I could see how it would make it easier to get at that rear shock bolt. As far as checking ball joints for play, I dont see where it would make a difference although it does put the suspension in a more normal position.
"I dont see where it would make a difference although it does put the suspension in a more normal position." This is where you would want to check it at... If you lift the car by the frame then the suspension hangs and the weight and angle of the suspension could create a bind causing one to assume the parts are tight. Lifting by the lower control assym also creates a binding cause the spring is pushing down on our cars suspensions. The 2x4 has been used for many years and is easier to be had than that support. A 2x4 and a 4x4 lay in the bottom of my roll around for various automotive purposes, they are right next to my BF hammer, lol.
I don't remember having to need one when I changed out my suspension either. I know the bolt you're talking about though. We recently changed the shocks on Ed's (fan2488) Maverick and I just used a jack to swing the arm assembly upwards a little bit to access that bolt. I don't think Ed even needed to do that on the passenger's side. I wouldn't be surprised if that part was made to prevent any further "incidents" that might've happened (for liability reasons).
Not true. The suspension is still resting on the upper control arm, taking all the pressure off the ball joint. Any play will be able to be detected.
With the block of wood between the UCA and frame both upper and lower ball joints are unloaded, in their "normal" position, like you said. When left to hang at an extended angle they can bind and not give a true indication of wear. Also, since they are ball-and-socket type joints the ball part can rotate into a position where it's not worn and will seem tight but that's not where it rides normally.
