Front axle halves or A-Arms

[Jazn]

Is there a trick to screwing on the hexagon end caps for both the lower and upper A-Arm?  Having some trouble getting the bottoms on.
Also, should I worry about lining them up using the king pin?

[bpossel]

Hi Jazn,

I was only able to screw on the end caps on my car with the tension unloaded. This means, springs removed.  If you dont unload the tension, you risk not lining up the threads correctly, striping the threads.  This would be an expensive mistake.

I, along with many others on this site, have done front end work.  Lots of good posts on this and lots of members on this site to assist you.  Just ask.

Please be VERY CAREFUL when working with the suspension and springs.  Very dangerous.  Need to use extreme caution.

Good luck!
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[Jazn]

Bob
Totally, I have the whole front subframe off, so I don't have to worry about front spring tension!  I think I may have gotten it just by tightening each side the same amount.  Thank you for the response.  The front subframe sure looks nice all powder coated and put back together in my family room!  Tomorrow, it goes on the car!
Thanks again.
Jason

[JimVillers]

Jason ... Be sure that the bearing caps are tight against the control arm.  I used lock tight on mine to be sure that they will not turn over time.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor, MGB 5-Speed

[Jazn]

Bob
Should I reinstall the king pins with the springs out first?  Once I have it to spec then install the springs?  Or do you need the tension of the springs?
Thanks
Jason