in ref to "Control Arm Bushings;"
08-28-2016, 09:50 PM
#3
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USAFVeteran (08-28-2016)
08-28-2016, 10:08 PM
#4
08-28-2016, 10:22 PM
#5
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No problem. I've done it on several occasions. Provide airfare, lodging, and required tools, and I'll do your bushings in 4 hours flat. You can also simply ship me your car, as many have done, and I'll have it done and shipped back to you in a day.
Lars
Tuned by Lars Corvettes, Denver
Lars
Tuned by Lars Corvettes, Denver
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USAFVeteran (08-29-2016)
08-29-2016, 11:16 AM
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
I was referring to the "rear" control(torque/trailing) arm bushings. In the GM shop manual for my '81, they're referred to as "control arms." I've used all three noun nomenclatures for this part. Sorry if I posted a confusing thread.
08-29-2016, 12:09 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Sorry, I may be the only one that misunderstood the topic. In any case, I've done trailing arm bushings also and I'd say the degree of difficulty is comparable to replacing control arm bushings. Very doable, with patience.
08-29-2016, 12:12 PM
#10
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Hi tj,
You can replace the trailing arm bushings in place if you leave the t-arm just where it is and remove the rest of the car.
Many people find it less work to remove the t-arm to replace the bushings and leave the rest of the car in place.
Regards,
Alan
You can replace the trailing arm bushings in place if you leave the t-arm just where it is and remove the rest of the car.
Many people find it less work to remove the t-arm to replace the bushings and leave the rest of the car in place.
Regards,
Alan
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20mercury (08-29-2016)
08-29-2016, 12:15 PM
#11
Drifting
I needed a good laugh. That's awesome.
To the OP: The answer is still no. Removing the trailing arm bolt is a rite of passage that every C3 Corvette "owner" must conduct to call themselves a owner (without the air quotes). It's like the "ring of fire" thing in the 'Finding Nemo' aquarium.
To the OP: The answer is still no. Removing the trailing arm bolt is a rite of passage that every C3 Corvette "owner" must conduct to call themselves a owner (without the air quotes). It's like the "ring of fire" thing in the 'Finding Nemo' aquarium.
Last edited by keithinspace; 08-29-2016 at 12:58 PM.
08-29-2016, 01:03 PM
#14
Drifting
In all honesty, Mr. Texas Jim, I was very concerned about my trailing arm bolts. It is a little constricted in there.
Some have had the difficulty of having the bolts frozen solid, leading to their having to cut them out. This is one of those "I wish I didn't have to spend the last 3 hours doing that" sort of tasks. Not impossible, but less than pleasant.
I was blessed with bolts that moved and, despite all the original concern, pulling the trailing arm bolts was a 15 minute exercise that made me wonder what all the hub-bub was about.
In replacing the bushings, you'll need to purchase a press. Or take them to a beer-friend that has a press.
Or you could go my route and take that as an AWESOME time to just get new offset trailing arms. And new bearing assemblies. And new u-joints. And a new rear spring. And rebuild the gas tank. And...well...you get the picture.
All the best!
Some have had the difficulty of having the bolts frozen solid, leading to their having to cut them out. This is one of those "I wish I didn't have to spend the last 3 hours doing that" sort of tasks. Not impossible, but less than pleasant.
I was blessed with bolts that moved and, despite all the original concern, pulling the trailing arm bolts was a 15 minute exercise that made me wonder what all the hub-bub was about.
In replacing the bushings, you'll need to purchase a press. Or take them to a beer-friend that has a press.
Or you could go my route and take that as an AWESOME time to just get new offset trailing arms. And new bearing assemblies. And new u-joints. And a new rear spring. And rebuild the gas tank. And...well...you get the picture.
All the best!
08-29-2016, 03:49 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
08-30-2016, 09:08 AM
#16
Just came back from the alignment shop with trailing arm bushings homework, only to stumble upon this topic... classic! 
08-30-2016, 11:03 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
Too funny!!!
Too funny!!! Thanks!
I think some of these C3 jobs train you for either getting out of a maximum security jail cell or brain surgery, still not sure which yet!
08-30-2016, 11:21 AM
#18
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Royal Canadian Navy
Or, replace the bushings with poly. No press required! Use an air chisel to pound the old ones out.
Last edited by resdoggie; 08-30-2016 at 11:23 AM.
08-30-2016, 11:41 AM
#19
Safety Car
In replacing the bushings, you'll need to purchase a press. Or take them to a beer-friend that has a press.
Or you could go my route and take that as an AWESOME time to just get new offset trailing arms. And new bearing assemblies. And new u-joints. And a new rear spring. And rebuild the gas tank. And...well...you get the picture.
All the best!
08-30-2016, 05:01 PM
#20
