Topic: Upper control arm shaft specs

[68 S Code]

Spent some time over the holidays creating a complete sub assembly of the steering linkages, centerlink, ps control valve, ps cylinder w/ bracket and ps hoses. Looks pretty good so I moved back to finishing the upper control arms. Read in the shop manual that you need to put a pipe brace next to the shaft, spanning from side to side of the arm, before tightening the large shaft bushings/end caps per specs. I checked the torque specs and can't find one for these bushings/caps in the charts.  Can someone list the required torque? Also what are you using instead of the pipe. Hate to scratch up the nice finish.  To those who mentioned the gun bluing for a heat treated look, thanks. Worked like a charm on the tie rod sleeves.  Couldn't believe how easy it was.

[68 S Code]

Anyone know the torque for these caps?

[J_Speegle]

Don't think I've ever torqued them - with a torque wrench.

Just me

[carlite65]

be extra careful with those fine threads. most cars i do are drivers and i always put a discreet tack weld for extra insurance.

[midlife]

Isn't the process to turn the nuts until everything is tight against the specified spacer?  If so, there is no torque requirement, only a distance requirement.

[68 S Code]

According to the shop manual it calls for a pipe or steel plate to be installed between the sides of the arm (to make sure you don't deform it) and then you torque it "per spec". I even put glasses on (fighting the aging thing) and couldn't find a line for this.

[midlife]

My 66 manual says the same thing.  I checked the 67, 70, 71, and 72 manuals: no torque specs.  Motor Auto Repair Manual doesn't state the spec either.

My gut says the German spec: Gutntit!

[aaatp]

Got this from another board member awhile ago, was told to torque them 25-35 ftlbs.   Did that to mine and they seem pretty good, I used a piece of water pipe cut to the proper dimension as the shop manual calls for.

[68 S Code]

25 to 35 isn't much but the threads are fine so for now it's better than nothing.

[CharlesTurner]

I don't know if it's such a good comparison, but the NOS Ford replacement upper arms are usually pretty stiff to rotate the shaft once installed.  I personally would use this as a guide more than a torque setting... although, it would be nice to know what the setting is supposed to be.

[aaatp]

If you go here   http://books.google.com/books?id=O4cgtFh_asEC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=rebuild+1965+mustang+upper+control+arm&source=bl&ots=RQuHme5t5i&sig=7ivcdZ1bnRNZZuubk5o7y1iqdiY&hl=en&ei=UHYqTZXkCc2nnwfA1JivAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAjge#v=onepage&q=rebuild%201965%20mustang%20upper%20control%20arm&f=false    they recommend 35-45 ftlbs. So I guess take you choice and see what works best.  Sorry the URL is so long but copy and paste works good.

[68 S Code]

Thanks this number sounds plausible.