4 link rear - upper control arms install post build?

[svassh]

So on my MK2 I have the 4 link 8.8 inch rear and the upper and lower control arms where the factory Ford stamped steel and bushings were pretty worn. I wanted to install tube style upper and lower control arms along with a rear sway bar to tighten up the rear end. Had no issues with the lower arms but when I went to install the upper I realized there is no way to remove the bolts that attach to the frame side as they butt up against the aluminum panel behind the seat.

Not wanting to start tearing panels out so was thinking about using a hole saw on my right angle drill to punch a hole carefully thru the aluminum (hopefully not thru the carpet or seat) to give some room to get the bolt out.

Anyone else had to do this on a built car and have any different advice?

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[JohnnyB]

From what I remember early on the instructions didn’t mention installing the bolt from the other side. I’ve heard of people using your hole saw remedy in the past. Just wondering if it might be easier to loosen the bolt enough to cut off the head with a sawzall then pull it out from the other side.

[svassh]

From what I remember early on the instructions didn’t mention installing the bolt from the other side. I’ve heard of people using your hole saw remedy in the past. Just wondering if it might be easier to loosen the bolt enough to cut off the head with a sawzall then pull it out from the other side.

Thanks John, added a picture but for some reason its sideways. Anyhow I had thought about that as well but as you can see even less room to work with on the current nut side. No way to get out or put in a bolt on that side.

[JohnnyB]

Thanks John, added a picture but for some reason its sideways. Anyhow I had thought about that as well but as you can see even less room to work with on the current nut side. No way to get out or put in a bolt on that side.

Yeah, That's not going to work. Looks like they changed the mount between the Mk1 and MK2.
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