Installing the upper and lower control arms 

These directions apply whether you are installing the upper and lower Metco control arms, the lower Metco control arms only or the extended Metco control arms. Other makes should be similar but you should use their installation instructions.  I installed my control arms when I had the complete housing removed from the car so I could install a new set of 3:73 gears. This made the installation a little easier because I had easy access to the upper control arm bushings on the rear housing. I strongly suggest you get the proper tools to remove the bushings because it will save you several hours and countless cuts and bruises especially if you are leaving the rear housing in the car.

Upper Control Arms

1. Support your car with jack stands mounted under the frame. Set the stands to the highest safe position. You want the rear housing to hang as far down as possible. You may want to remove the lower shock bolts for maximum travel. 
2. Support the rear housing at the axle tubes with jack stands
3. Remove sway bar. 
4. Remove the bolt holding the upper control arm to the axle housing. If you are leaving the rear housing in the car  you should remove and install one side at a time.
5. Remove the bolt holding the upper control arm to the saddle on frame
6. Using the special GM tool remove the bushing and sleeve from rear housing. I didn't have this tool so I had to improvise but I also had the rear axle housing out of the car. I first used a drill with a 1/4" bit to drill holes around the bushing so I could cut it out then I used a hacksaw to cut through the metal sleeve but not into the casting. If you have a Sawsall you probably can eliminate the drilling. Once I had the slit cut in the sleeve it relieved the pressure from the press fit and I was able to tap it out
7. Using the special GM tool press the new sleeve and bushing into rear housing. Again I had to improvise but it was fairly easy and I was able to press the bushing and sleeve into the housing with minimal effort.
8. Insert the New upper control arm into saddle on frame with the grease fitting mounted in the up position.  Using the alignment pin line up the upper control arm holes with the saddle holes. Insert the bolt into hole and thread the nut onto bolt  then tighten the nut until there is a very slight movement between the control arm and the saddle. DO NOT completely tighten the nut at this time.
9. Slide the yoke at the opposite end of the control arm over the bushing on the rear housing and align the holes using the alignment pin.
10. Insert the bolt and thread nut onto bolt. Tighten nut until there is a slight movement between the control arm and housing. DO NOT completely tighten the nut at this time.
11. Repeat above procedure for the other side upper control arm.

Lower Control Arms

1. If you are leaving the rear housing in the car then you should remove and install one side at a time.
2. Remove the bolt holding the lower control arm to the rear housing.
3. Remove the bolt holding the lower control arm to the frame saddle. You can access the bolt head thru a hole in the side of the frame. This is where you will need the 6" extension.

   Insert the new control arm into the frame saddle and align the holes with the alignment pin. Mount with the grease fittings facing down.

4. Tighten the bolts until there is very little movement between the control arm and the saddle. DO NOT completely tighten the nut at this time.
5. Insert the opposite end of the control arm into the rear housing saddle and align holes with the alignment pin. 
6. Insert the bolts and tighten until there is very slight movement between the control arm and the saddle. DO NOT completely tighten the nut  at this time.
7. Repeat above procedure for the other side lower control arm.
8. Once all the control arms are installed jack up the rear housing until the weight of the car rests on the housing without lifting off the jack stands under the frame.
9. With the weight of the car supported by the rear housing check the alignment of the rear housing and torque all the control arm bolts to 75 ft/lbs.
10. Install the swaybar and torque all the bolts to xx ft/lbs
11. Now would be a good time to apply the grease to the bushings. If you used the Neoprene bushings then you should use the synthetic lube so you don't destroy the bushings.
12. Raise the car and remove the jack stands.
13. Lower the car to the ground, clean and put away your tools making sure nothing is left under or behind your car, clean yourself up, have a refreshment of choice and take your baby for a ride to set the control arms.
14. Once you have put 50 or so miles on the new control arms check the bolts for tightness and re-torque them to 75 ft/lbs.