Ibanez540r

Trying to get my frame to a rolling chassis, and am pretty close. Mounted the rear end the other day and completed powder coating the half shafts and installing spicer solid joints.

What's the trick to getting the half shafts in? If I get the flange flat against the trailing arm, the inner u joint doesn't clear the diff. yoke. and vise-versa if I try it in the reverse order.

I attempted to lift the trailing arm with a jack to get a more straight alignment of the shaft, but after a little movement, it began lifting the entire frame. If I disconnect the spring and shock I can probably lift the arm more, but wanted to make sure it is necessary to get them in.

Thanks guys

mwm1993

Either put some weight on the frame so you can compress the spring further or take the spring off. I had to compress it a fair amount when replacing my u joints

Peterbuilt

You don't have the strut rod on yet, do you?

terrys6t8roadster

I just did half shaft ujoints on my 69 coupe, they almost fell out and went back in the same way. a 69 vert I did earlier this year just need to pry the trailing are out a little to get the clearance for the ujoint to pass the spindle. the rubber bushings are forgiving, poly ones not so much.

Ibanez540r

No, know better then that

Hmm... I'm pretty far off as far as clearance. I need a good 3/4 to 1 inch. The prying is the issue. The frame has nothing substantial to keep it from getting pulled right along with anything I try to move. The other 3 tires are on too, but it still wants to move.

When i get home this evening I think I'll try removing the spring and shock. Should give me plenty of movement.

HOOAH

I used a ratchet strap around the frame and spring to compress the components during install. Also, if you have the frame on stands, there will be a clearance issue between the yokes and the halfshaft joints. Better to have the frame on the ground during this whole effort. Good luck.

Terry

Ibanez540r

Good idea with the ratchet strap

HOOAH

Yea and they worked great for that type job. Here's the thread I started addressing the gap issue. As you'll see, this forum pulled me out of another bind back then. Love this place and all the great members!

Terry

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...lp-please.html

Ibanez540r

Tried the ratchet strap. Was able to get the arm about parallel with the diff. but still no good. Over the weekend I'm going to remove the suspension so I can get some side to side clearance to get it in there.

JimT

I seem to remember turning the shafts/rear end to find the sweet spot for installation. Good luck

gcusmano74

Use the strut rod adjusters to shove the trailing arm as far out as you can. That should allow you to install the half shafts.