GM F-Body Control Arms – Three Types of Uppers

Based on parts manuals, there were three different styles of upper control arms in the F-Body cars between 1970 and 1981. They all appear to be interchangeable through out this year span so long as you swap the whole arm and pivot shaft. I only have two of the styles on hand. I set this display up (see below) so you can see the difference between the two styles of upper control arms. They fit 1970 thru 1981 GM F-Body cars.

GM F-Body Upper Control Arms Overall 002

Parts manuals suggests (for Camaro) there were three styles
Style one ran 1970 thru 1973,
Style two ran 1974 thru 1980,
Style three ran 1980 thru 1981
Mid year 1980 there was a change over

The first style (early) Upper control arm (the one on the right),

had round bushings on the front and rear of the control arm.  The bushings were the same front and back and pressed flush up against the arm. The bushings measured 1.32 inches.

In addition the pivot arm for this upper control arm has these differences: Overall length is shorter (length is 15 1/8 inches) then the pivot arm for  the later upper control arm, and the distance between the bushing stops is longer (bushing stop to stop is 10 inches). The holes to mount the pivot arm to the frame are the same distance apart for both styles.

The second style (later) Upper control arm (the one on the left) .

The big difference is that one of the bushings is “stepped” so that it will not press in flush with the arm. The rear bushing measured 1.32 inches,  the front “stepped” bushing measured 1.40 inches.

In addition the pivot arm for this upper control arm has these differences: Overall length is longer then the pivot arm for  the earlier upper control arm, and the distance between the bushing stops is shorter. The holes to mount the pivot arm to the frame are the same distance apart for both styles.

The arms appear to have the same configuration, I would have to believe they are interchangeable with out modifications if the whole arm assemble is swapped.

The information listed below is based on my “Hollander Interchange 43rd Edition and 53rd Editions”. It is valid thru 1986. The cars listed below had these arms in them
Camaro 1970 thru 1981,
Firebird 1970 thru 1981,
Apollo 1975,
Century 1973 thru 1977,
Chevelle 1973 thru 1977,
Cutlass 1973 thru 1977,
Grand Prix 1973 thru 1977,
LeMans 1973 thru 1977,
Monte Carlo 1973 thru 1977,
Nova 1975 thru 1979,
Omega 1975 thru 1979,
Phoenix 1977 thru 1979,
Regal 1973 thru 1977,
Riviera 1971 thru 1976,
Seville 1976,
Skylark 1975 thru 1979,
Sprint (GMC) 1973 thru 1977,
Ventura II 1975 thru 1977

Click the pictures below to see an enlarged image

GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Pivot Shafts 010     The Pivot Arm for the “Late” Upper Control Arm has these differences:

Overall length is shorter than the Pivot Arm for the early Upper Control Arm
The distance between the Bushing Stops is longer
The holes to mount the Pivot Arm to the frame are the same distance apart for both styles

Additional pictures of Arms and their Bushings

GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Early 003                                          GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Early 005                                               GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Early 006

GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Late 004                                          GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Late 007                                               GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Late 008

GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Bushings 014                                          GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Bushings 016                                               GM F-Body Upper Control Arm Bushings 0181

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