Took rear suspension apart about 6 months ago for a rebuild. Finally got time to put it back together now. Here is my problem....The rear control arms look identical and symmetrical except for one thing....on one end (above the bushing) it is flat across. On the other end there are 3 'notches'. I don't know why it would make a difference, but GM must have put them there for a reason. Could someone look at their stock rear and let me know which way to put these back? Thanks!

 

Most of them are completely symmetrical. I haven't ever seen one that wasn't, that I can recall.

Aftermarket ones are all symmetrical.

The GM reasoning may have been something as irrelevant to us today, as some retention method to hold it down to a railroad car, or to fit to something on the assembly line, or some other thing that had no "functional" aspect.

 

Some rear control arms are factory "boxed" and others are not. The direction of the notches might have been a quick way to indicate how the control arm was to be installed so the "box" was placed at the correct end of the installed control arm. ( completely a guess ! )

The notches point forward from the factory.

 

i agree, they are symmetrical expect for those notches.

Makes sense that it would only be a cosmetic difference. I will put the notches forward. Thanks!

 

hate to bring this up again....but......
If I install the notches forward to both control arms (makes sense), it puts the bushing flange to the outside of the car on one side and inside of the car on the other. (I installed the bushings exactly as they were from the factory)....does this seem right? Could anyone check their 'stock' controls arms for me to verify this is right?

 

Was Under The Car Today,Took A Few Pics.

 

Good pics !

As they show - the factory "box" is offset to the front of the control arm. ( uses the 2 bolt holes closest to the front of the car. ) If the control arms get mounted notches-back than the factory "box" is not placed where it was designed to placed.

Make a difference - Yup.

Make a difference that anyone would EVER notice - Probably not.


Factory installed was "notches" forward !

 

Awesome pics. I really appreciate it. Helped a bunch! Thanks again!!

Notches forward it is!