Getting ready to rebuild the entire front end of my 71. I have seen the offset shafts advertised. What is the advantage or purpose of these shafts?

I'm taking you are asking about the upper control arm shafts ?. If so after time the front subframes can pinch together with the top of the frame where the control arm shafts bolt onto to tilt inward towards the center of the engine while looking straight on from the front of the car. With this angle change it pulls the top ball joints closer towards each other. The offset shafts push the top control arms back outward so the front end can be aligned.
It's been a while since I looked at some of these offset shafts but they may be able to be installed one of two ways. One way would push that upper control arms more outward or if rotated 180 degrees would that upper control arms inward. If they are able to be installed both ways I would make sude they are both the same. You could get one arm pulled too far in and the other out too much.
I hope you followed that.

Jim

You can offset the upper control arms in many ways- can you post a link of the product you are thinking of? Some offset shafts increase caster, and some increase negative camber gain.

Bryan these are the only kind i know of. They are for my Chevelle, but the Nova has a set just like them. They are marked "wheel side" on one face.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/zmeano/Offsetcontrolarmshafts2.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/zmeano/Offsetcontrolarmshafts1.jpg

Who manufacturers these and where can they be bought?

Thanks,
ND

These are from NAPA, bushings were included. Many manufactures make them, some are even billet.

Jim I don't have any issues with alignment now so I have to assume that the "pinch" hasn't occured yet. I was told that they were for the purpose you described so I don't think I need them. Advanced Auto sells them for about $60 each side and they include bushings. They are either MOOG or TRW.

These offset shafts look like they are for alignment purposes as mentioned. There is a maximum amount of shims GM recommended to use for alignment, and the shafts allow you to get your alignment into spec without using too many shims. I think the maximum recommended was 1/2".

Bryan can you tell me how to get this bumper in the slot? I have already ruined a couple trying to pull them through.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/front%20end/Aarmbumper.jpg

Could you put them in a container of water on the stove and heat up the water to make them more flexible and then put some lube on them and pop them in ?.

Jim

Thanks I'll give that a try tonight. Once these are in I can finish the suspension install.

Could you put them in a container of water on the stove and heat up the water to make them more flexible and then put some lube on them and pop them in ?.

Jim

Getting them more flexible will help (I usually let them sit in the sun) and use a pair of pliers to pull and a screwdriver to push being careful not to rip the rubber.:yes:

Heating, pushing and pulling did not do it, I just ripped the tab off of another one. I think I am going to go buy some with a stud on them, drill the frame and mount it under the arm. Thanks for the suggestions guys, I still must be doing something wrong, I started with poly and then purchased OEM rubber type with no good results from either.

These are from NAPA, bushings were included. Many manufactures make them, some are even billet.

You don't happen to have the part number do ya??

The seventeen year old at my NAPA counter will look at me like I'm an alien when I don't ask for brake pads for a '97 Accord..........

Thanks,
ND

ps-put liquid hand soap on those bumpers, then push em through with a large flat head screw driver...

This set is for my El Camino, I'll ask the counterman at my NAPA to look it up for you.

This set is for my El Camino, I'll ask the counterman at my NAPA to look it up for you.

Thanks, but no need to make a special trip. I just thought you might have the number right there on the box.

ND

Here you go, price will vary depending on what, if any, discounts your local store gives you.

NCP2805523
Offset Shaft Kit
Provides Additional Positive Camber Adjustment

Very helpfull !

Thank you. I've been lookin for these for about a year now.

Have any luck with those A-arm bumpers?

ND

Not with the stock type. The 68-72 lower A arm bumpers are the correct size and have a stud to retain them. I am going to purchase some of them and test fit. i made some small metal covers to go on top and the bumper has a metal plate on the mount side of it. I think it will work. I'll let you next week after the parts get here.

global west makes offset shafts. have them in my nova with there del a lum bushings.

New guy here but just to let you know, the offset control arm shafts are made to allow the car to have more caster. Usually this is needed when either the springs are sagging severely or the car is lowered with drop springs. Caster is what makes the steering wheel return to center while the car is in motion