Installing a trailing arm by yourself
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 5
From: Austin TX
Installing a trailing arm by yourself
I've never done one without help. I got the bug to put one on tonight...
I rolled a floor jack in close to the spring end. I lifted the trailing arm into the pocket and balanced the bearing support ears on the jack. I put a 1 1/2 inch 7/16 bolt (have it ready where you are...) in from the outboard side through the front pivot. Once you have the bolt in and the bearing support is on the jack it's pretty stable. Then you can thread the pivot bolt in with one hand and hold the inboard shims with the other hand. I taped the inboard shims together with masking tape to make it easier. I moved the arm on the jack with my knee to get things lined up.
I rolled a floor jack in close to the spring end. I lifted the trailing arm into the pocket and balanced the bearing support ears on the jack. I put a 1 1/2 inch 7/16 bolt (have it ready where you are...) in from the outboard side through the front pivot. Once you have the bolt in and the bearing support is on the jack it's pretty stable. Then you can thread the pivot bolt in with one hand and hold the inboard shims with the other hand. I taped the inboard shims together with masking tape to make it easier. I moved the arm on the jack with my knee to get things lined up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
The GM service manual has an excellent description of how to do this safely without compromising your body parts. It really is a pretty simple job, as long as you take you time and follow instructions.
Gary
Gary
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
I pull the shims out completely and slide the bolt in about a half inch or so just enough to slip the trailing arm bushing up on the bolt. I have needle nose channel locks on the bolt so you can easily slide the bolt on through the arm. Then put the shims in after the bolt is in place.
