Using a spreader on tight Tabs

[rsbrillhart]

Installing the rear suspension, most of the tabs have been quite tight, but have managed to get the bushings in. In a couple cases, I shaved down the inner sleeve which seemed to help. However, I'm now trying to get the rear spindle in the lower control arm and can't get it t fit. I've recall reading about people using homemade spreaders (presume threaded bolts and nuts) to pry open the tabs. Wanted to verify if this is in fact an ok approach. Should I be concerned about weakening the weld on the tabs. Only looking to expand by about a 1/32.

[Ray]

That small of a spread is certainly ok. The metal "spring-flex" is more then that, especially at the end of the tabs.

Ray

[shark92651]

I don't think you even need to make anything. I just used a large crescent wrench, adjusted it so it was tight against each side of the tab, and then slightly bent them in the direction needed. It didn't even scratch the powder coat. I did this on several of them with no issue at all.

[rsbrillhart]

Great, thanks for the quick reply!

[Jim1855]

I used a piece of 3/8-16 or 1/2-13 threaded rod, just long enough to pass through the two flanges. Then with nuts and big washers you can spread the flanges with two open end wrenches. The assembly is flange / washer / nut -- nut / washer / flange. It's a controlled push.
Jim

[CraigS]

... In a couple cases, I shaved down the inner sleeve which seemed to help...

I am concerned about this. The steel sleeve is what stops the mounting tabs from tightening too tight on the flange of the plastic bushings. The bolt should lock the sleeve stationary so that the arm and plastic bushing rotate on the sleeve. Do the control arms where you shaved the sleeve move freely?

[NAZ]

I'm with Craig on the inner sleeves. As for bending taps, the only time you would worry about welds is if there was only weld on one side of the tab.