Tips on replacing strut rods
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 8,506
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
Tips on replacing strut rods
The bushings on the strut rods of my '65 looked shot. So while ordering the new f/e stuff I ordered two new strut rods. Any tips/tricks or instructions on replacing the strut rods ? Any other "small" jobs I should do while there...?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
You might need an oxy/acetylene torch to heat up the parts enough to get the shock mounts out.
Get a 3/8" NPT pipe cap at the hardware store to use to drive the shock mounts out (yes, the pipe and bolt threads match, I don't know why).
Do a search in the C3 forums for more information on strut rod removal - just about anything to do with the job has been discussed there several times.
Get a 3/8" NPT pipe cap at the hardware store to use to drive the shock mounts out (yes, the pipe and bolt threads match, I don't know why).
Do a search in the C3 forums for more information on strut rod removal - just about anything to do with the job has been discussed there several times.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
Yes, absolutely I have tips......take them back and get heim-jointed adjustable strut rods (unless your car is NCRS). The cams turn in the bushing when you "abuse" the car by driving it like it is supposed to be driven (road or drag racing), so you eventually end up at full negative rear camber. The heim jointed ones won't. Just set it and forget it.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
It's easier to align things if you jack under the trailing arm and get it up to its normal ride height; if it's "hanging", you'll never get the shock mount shafts through the spindle support ears and the bushing on the strut rod.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 8,506
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
Do the rear spring bolts (ride height) have to be removed ? Or can I remove the shock mount and strut rod with the spring still bolted to the t-arms ?
I am leery of unbolting the rear spring after fighting with the front coil springs
If I have to unbolt the spring...just place a c-clamp about 12" in and place a piece of 2x4 on the jack, right ? Also position the 2x4 right up against the c-clamp ?
I am leery of unbolting the rear spring after fighting with the front coil springs
If I have to unbolt the spring...just place a c-clamp about 12" in and place a piece of 2x4 on the jack, right ? Also position the 2x4 right up against the c-clamp ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 24
From: Westport CT
that would be my one big recommendation, judicious use of the jack (floor jack) to unload the tension on the rodas for your question - Do the rear spring bolts (ride height) have to be removed? - answer no, if you use the floor jack as John mentioned
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 156
From: Toosoon Arizona
Did I read somewhere that the C-3 strut rod bracket made for a better alingment thru the full travel arc.
If so I would look at ordering the whole set up from VBP with better bushings that do not flex as much as rubber,
Heim would be the best but that would be a high maintaince item and may be a bit noisey, my $.05 worth.
If so I would look at ordering the whole set up from VBP with better bushings that do not flex as much as rubber,
Heim would be the best but that would be a high maintaince item and may be a bit noisey, my $.05 worth.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rocklin California
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
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From: DFW
My guess is that JohnZ assumes you have already disconnected the spring from the TA, and probably that you also have the wheel off. When the car is sitting normally on the ground, the only thing keeping the wheel vertical is the strut rod. Remove it (if you could) and expect a BIG camber change. Not to mention problems with access to the shock mount shafts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
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From: Rocklin California
My guess is that JohnZ assumes you have already disconnected the spring from the TA, and probably that you also have the wheel off. When the car is sitting normally on the ground, the only thing keeping the wheel vertical is the strut rod. Remove it (if you could) and expect a BIG camber change. Not to mention problems with access to the shock mount shafts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
Ok, I have not looked. Didn't know there was that much involved. Better look under there and see. Could be a bigger project than I thought. I plan on replacing the spring bolts with longer ones to lower the rear a little so will do the struts at the same time. I know how to do that since I have had the spring out before. I have the shop manual so I will check it. Thanks
Ken, If you are going to do the spring job, its an ideal time to get the strut rods. The hardest part will be driving the lower shock mount out. Get a tool from any one of the Corvette suppliers, and use the tips in this thread, and the swap will go fast!
Harry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rocklin California