QA1 Coil Over Upper Control Arm Fitment

[PistolGrip6]

I have contacted QA1 now waiting on a response.

Has anyone had a problem with installing the upper control arms?

Im having trouble with the 5/8” spacers between the mounts and bushing on the one side.

One side has a 1/4” gap and the other has a 1/4” interference with the opposite side hardware snugged up.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with a 69 Coronet?

 

[j-c-c-62]

This will affect caster the most but only slightly, and make it a pain to make UCA alignment adjustments, I also would not be timid in spreading the UCA slightly if need be to get the job done, and make removing and replacing them in the future more straight forward. Between the OEM tolerances and welding up effectively a tubed wishbone, not surprised if this issue was rather normal occurrence.
I would suggest NOT using self-locking hardware/nuts until your final very limited road test after alignment is dialed in.

 

[gkent]

Things move when they're welded. Had that issue with another brand of UCA. Put one end in a vice and tugged on the other. Didn't take much to open the gap. With those adjustable ends geometry shouldn't be an issue.

 

[PistolGrip6]

This will affect caster the most but only slightly, and make it a pain to make UCA alignment adjustments, I also would not be timid in spreading the UCA slightly if need be to get the job done, and make removing and replacing them in the future more straight forward. Between the OEM tolerances and welding up effectively a tubed wishbone, not surprised if this issue was rather normal occurrence.
I would suggest NOT using self-locking hardware/nuts until your final very limited road test after alignment is dialed in.

Thanks for the input.

Still waiting on the response from QA1.

I work at a place with a machine shop. Was thinking I could make up new spacers for the front side with the needed dimensions.

First install the LCA to see if it lines up correctly the way it is now with the back side fitting correctly. Then measure the gaps on the front and machine new spacers to avoid bending things into place.

Thoughts on that plan?

 

[j-c-c-62]

That is a workable plan and if you have the equipment to make it happen, I'd suggest it.
The only concern is depending on your final choice of spacer width and the location, it will slightly affect your alignment, so it's going to be at best just a guess, and you might need a redo.
However, it you measure the exact openings, and you know the width of the joints, you can calculate the spacers and their positions you need to move the UCA front to rear is my thinking to get you alignment dialed.
I would not look at it as "bending" so as improving the fit BTW.

 

[gkent]

First install the LCA to see if it lines up correctly the way it is now with the back side fitting correctly. Then measure the gaps on the front and machine new spacers to avoid bending things into place.

Waste of time. Tweak the damn thing and forget about it.

 

[PistolGrip6]

That is a workable plan and if you have the equipment to make it happen, I'd suggest it.
The only concern is depending on your final choice of spacer width and the location, it will slightly affect your alignment, so it's going to be at best just a guess, and you might need a redo.
However, it you measure the exact openings, and you know the width of the joints, you can calculate the spacers and their positions you need to move the UCA front to rear is my thinking to get you alignment dialed.
I would not look at it as "bending" so as improving the fit BTW.

I shall weigh my options. gkent is saying spread them as well. Might try a low profile hydraulic jack.

 

[PistolGrip6]

Waste of time. Tweak the damn thing and forget about it.

I’ll give it a try.

 

[PRND21]

1/8 inch? Spread it.

 

[gkent]

You won't need a hydraulic jack

 

[j-c-c-62]

Wheaties maybe?

 

[gkent]

You will be shocked at how easy it moves !