First time forum user

[mntgab]

Hi, I've read forums for years but never inquired on one. Where do I start? what is the difference between a thread and a post. Am I supposed the create a new thread when i have a question or do I search for a similar thread and jump in?
I have a 1980 El Camino, bought some boxed lower rear control arms used, supposedly from a Monte Carlo. The mounting holes are 1" wider apart than the my stock arms. Do I have the wrong arms or do I need adjustable upper arms to make the \the drive shaft line up?

 

[williamattop]

Hello and welcome. If this is the first forum you have joined, you picked a good one. Most everyone here is extremly helpful and we have some very knowlegable people too.
Ill try and answer some of your questions-
A thread on a website is the first post on a particular subject, then others (or yourself) reply or respond. It may be a question, something wanted or sale, etc,,, If you go to the forums section, you should be able to find a section your post would apply to and start your thread in there. Like a pair of taillights for sale would be in the for sale/wanted section. A question about hooking up an aftermarket radio would in the electrical section an so on.
A post would be if you went on somebody elses thread and replied or inquired on the subject that the thread is about.

Normally it is suggested to do a search on most subjects, but there is nothing wrong with starting your own thread if you dont find the answers your looking for or would like more input. Piggy backing on somebody elses thread is usually O.K. but you dont really want to take over by flooding their thread with your questions so just use your judgement.
Overall it is pretty relaxed around here so dont worry too much about making mistakes with your posts or threads.
You will be a regular computer wiz in no time.

 

[oldtinsmith]

mntgab, welcome to the site! I too have a 1980 El Camino. As far as the lower control arms, I think they are not the correct ones for your El Camino.

Doug

 

[mr evil]

Welcome to the site.
As said above, a thread is a collection of posts on a particular topic, a post is a reply or first question/statement within a thread/topic.
Don't be afraid to post up, if you are out of line most people will politely correct you and direct you to where/how you should post. You'll get the hang of it in no time.
Try not to start multiple threads on the same topic....pick one place to post your question and stick to that spot. If mods feel it should be moved, they will move it for you.
I for one simply click "new posts" at top of home page each time I come on, this gives me all new posts that have occurred since the last time I was online, regardless of what section the posts are in. This way I rarely miss any new posts. So I would see your post, no matter what section you posted it in....
Hope that made a little sense at least...

 

[Doug213xrj]

Welcome from West Michigan. I think those rear control arms are not for a G body. I also think all G body rear control arms are the same.. I bought a polyurethane bushing kit for the 78 El Camino I in stalled them in a set of rear control arms from a 78 Malibu 4dr I had

Doug

 

[mntgab]

Welcome from West Michigan. I think those rear control arms are not for a G body. I also think all G body rear control arms are the same.. I bought a polyurethane bushing kit for the 78 El Camino I in stalled them in a set of rear control arms from a 78 Malibu 4dr I had

Doug

Thanks Doug, I agree. Now I'm trying find out what I have so as to maybe resale them. The sway bar that came with the control arms does line up with both the arms that came with it and my stock control arms. The Gbody lower arms mounting holes are 19 1/4" CL to CL. The ones I have are 20 1/4". I called around and found that Abody arms are 22" CL to CL so can anyone help ID these arms.

 

[mntgab]

Here is a photo that might help ID these lower control arms. Notice the offset holes for the sway bar. Anyone have an Idea?

 

[mymontess]

Hello & welcome from Toronto, Canada.
Show us some pix of your Elky.
Rod

 

[mntgab]

Hi guys, I figured it out. The control arms I got are for a Rear lift bar setup. I will need some lift brackets to use them but they should be useful as the rear end has been lowered two inches.