How to properly remove and install the upper control arm on 1986 Chevrolet El Camino?

Raise the front end of the vehicle and lower the control arm onto a jack for support, then remove the wheel. Separate the upper control arm ball stud and remove the two nuts securing the control arm shaft to the frame bracket, ensuring to tape together the shims for proper reinstallation. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the upper control arm attaching bolts for clearance; gently tap the bolt downwards with a brass drift, pry it upwards with a suitable box wrench, and then use a pry bar and block of wood to remove the bolts from the frame. After removing the upper control arm, inspect the control arm pivot bushings; if they are worn, consider having them replaced by a GM dealer, or use a long bolt and tubular spacers for removal and installation if doing it yourself. When installing, loosen the end shaft retainer bolts or nuts, position the new control arm attaching bolts loosely in the frame, and install the control arm cross-shaft on the attaching bolts. Use a normal free-running nut to tighten the serrated bolts onto their seats, then remove the free-running nuts and fit the regular locknuts once the splined bolts are seated. Install the shims in their original fitted positions and torque-tighten the nuts, starting with the thinner shim pack nut for better clamping force. Install the ball stud through the knuckle, torque-tighten the nut, align the cotter pin holes, and fit a new cotter pin. Finally, fit the wheel, lower the vehicle to the floor, and torque-tighten the shaft retainer bolts or nuts.

Genuine 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Control Arm

Suspension Arm

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1986 Chevrolet El Camino Control Arm
Part Number: 19416899
$228.02 MSRP: $377.38
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Arm Kit, Front Upper Control; Control Arm, Upper Control Arm
- Replaces: 12376266, 19133654, 12543948, 12546748
- Item Weight: 9.80 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 15.2 x 12.0 x 4.1 inches
- Condition: New
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- SKU: 19416899
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by GM's factory warranty.
More Info
Fits the following 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Submodels:
- CLASSIC 4 DOOR, CLASSIC STATION WAGON, EL CAMINO, MONTE CARLO | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 6 Cyl 4.3L, 8 Cyl 4.4L, 8 Cyl 5.0L, 8 Cyl 5.7L Diesel
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1986 Chevrolet El Camino Shaft Kit,Front Upper Control Arm
Part Number: 12385857
Product Specifications
- Other Name: SHAFT KIT, Steering Knuckle Upper Control Arm
- Position: Front Upper
- Item Weight: 3.20 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.6 x 17.3 inches
- Condition: New
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Require Quantity: 2
- SKU: 12385857
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by GM's factory warranty.
More Info
Fits the following 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Submodels:
- CLASSIC 4 DOOR, CLASSIC STATION WAGON, EL CAMINO, MONTE CARLO | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 6 Cyl 4.3L, 8 Cyl 4.4L, 8 Cyl 5.0L, 8 Cyl 5.7L Diesel
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1986 Chevrolet El Camino Rear Upper Control Arm Assembly
Part Number: 10000076
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Arm Assembly, Rear Axle Upper Control; Control Arm, Upper Control Arm
- Position: Rear Upper
- Item Weight: 2.90 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 14.9 x 4.6 x 4.3 inches
- Condition: New
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Require Quantity: 2
- SKU: 10000076
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by GM's factory warranty.
More Info
Fits the following 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Submodels:
- CLASSIC 4 DOOR, CLASSIC STATION WAGON, EL CAMINO, MONTE CARLO | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 6 Cyl 4.3L, 8 Cyl 4.4L, 8 Cyl 5.0L, 8 Cyl 5.7L Diesel
View related parts
1986 Chevrolet El Camino Rear Lower Control Arm Assembly
Part Number: 10081635
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Arm Assembly, Rear Axle Lower Control; Control Arm, Lower Control Arm
- Position: Rear Lower
- Item Weight: 4.30 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 23.2 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches
- Condition: New
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Require Quantity: 2
- SKU: 10081635
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by GM's factory warranty.
More Info
Fits the following 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Submodels:
- CLASSIC 4 DOOR, CLASSIC STATION WAGON, EL CAMINO, MONTE CARLO | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 6 Cyl 4.3L, 8 Cyl 4.4L, 8 Cyl 5.0L, 8 Cyl 5.7L Diesel
View related parts
1986 Chevrolet El Camino Front Lower Control Arm
Part Number: 14075338
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Arm,Front Lower Control; Control Arm, Lower Control Arm
- Position: Front Lower
- Condition: New
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- SKU: 14075338
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by GM's factory warranty.
Fits the following 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Submodels:
- CLASSIC 4 DOOR, CLASSIC STATION WAGON, EL CAMINO, MONTE CARLO | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 6 Cyl 4.3L, 8 Cyl 4.4L, 8 Cyl 5.0L, 8 Cyl 5.7L Diesel

1986 Chevrolet El Camino Control Arm

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1986 Chevrolet El Camino Control Arm Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Q:
How to properly remove and install the upper control arm on 1986 Chevrolet El Camino?
Posted by Lada S.
A:
Raise the front end of the vehicle and lower the control arm onto a jack for support, then remove the wheel. Separate the upper control arm ball stud and remove the two nuts securing the control arm shaft to the frame bracket, ensuring to tape together the shims for proper reinstallation. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the upper control arm attaching bolts for clearance; gently tap the bolt downwards with a brass drift, pry it upwards with a suitable box wrench, and then use a pry bar and block of wood to remove the bolts from the frame. After removing the upper control arm, inspect the control arm pivot bushings; if they are worn, consider having them replaced by a GM dealer, or use a long bolt and tubular spacers for removal and installation if doing it yourself. When installing, loosen the end shaft retainer bolts or nuts, position the new control arm attaching bolts loosely in the frame, and install the control arm cross-shaft on the attaching bolts. Use a normal free-running nut to tighten the serrated bolts onto their seats, then remove the free-running nuts and fit the regular locknuts once the splined bolts are seated. Install the shims in their original fitted positions and torque-tighten the nuts, starting with the thinner shim pack nut for better clamping force. Install the ball stud through the knuckle, torque-tighten the nut, align the cotter pin holes, and fit a new cotter pin. Finally, fit the wheel, lower the vehicle to the floor, and torque-tighten the shaft retainer bolts or nuts.
Answered by GM Parts Specialist Raul / Feb 27, 2023