63 struts
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 17
From: Woodinville Wa
63 struts
I was just going to replace the rear bearing,but they seemed impossble to get off on the car.So I decided to take the arm off.I tried a couple off ways ended up using a sawall to cut the bolts.That went pretty good but the lower shock mounts are frozon in the bearing supports.I am going to replace the strut assembly, the arms are bend , both the same. They are old and and am sure they are not going to be able to adjust them.Should I just cut the shock mount or would it be easier to just the strut and take the shock mount off on the bench?This is one off those projects that start off seeming simple and turns the wrong way.I have no problem replacing the parts. I have read about the how to setup the trailing arms but nobody tells the problems you could have getting them out..............................Thanks ............Vince
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 17
From: Woodinville Wa
I have had the car for over 35 years .I have replaced the u-joints,never touch the bearing.All the bushing rubber is bad.The bend struts I have been told are bent to get the rear end in alignment.I am going to use a smart strut and camber rod kit from Eckler's.The cost to replace the struts is a wash. Any input on the smart strut ???..................................... ...Vince
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Can't help on the smart struts. Don't know why you'd need anything special.
The stock struts typically get bent with floor jacks or the old in-floor axle lifts. It requires less effort to turn the camber adjustment bolt (simple) than to bend that strut rod.
You can buy new stock Chevrolet struts cheaper than you can buy bushings.
I think VBP makes a special tool to get those stuck shock mounts out of the bearing retainer. Many people find this job easier to farm out than tackle yourself. But you probably know that.
The stock struts typically get bent with floor jacks or the old in-floor axle lifts. It requires less effort to turn the camber adjustment bolt (simple) than to bend that strut rod.
You can buy new stock Chevrolet struts cheaper than you can buy bushings.
I think VBP makes a special tool to get those stuck shock mounts out of the bearing retainer. Many people find this job easier to farm out than tackle yourself. But you probably know that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 17
From: Woodinville Wa
Having Fun
The adjustment bolt on the strut looks like it will be rusted and needs to be replace.By the time I replace the struts with the bushing and new adjust bolt also the bracket dose not look very good.The new assemble cost about the same and the strut arms by them self can be ajusted.It come with all the hardware needed.I have the tool to take the shock mount off.All it dose is goes on the treads so you can pound on it.I think it is a lost cause to try and save them. Everything has been there for almost 45 years.Thinking that I would be able to save some parts is looking like a pipe dream........Thanks......I will get them done...................Vince
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 17
From: Woodinville Wa
update
I tried to cut the shock support sawall blades get dull very fast.Seeing that I am going to replace the struts I just cut the strut with my hand grinder.Now it is on the bench.The front bushing is rusted in the trailing arm,with some tender care I sure I can get it out without damage to the arm.Time is the key if I farmed this out I am sure the labor charge would be out of this world............Vince
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,177
Likes: 3,994
From: Connecticut, USA
Vince,
You don't want to rush this job and wreck parts you may be able to save. I've done plenty of them and there are some special tools you'll need to do the endplay setup and bushing staking. I'm sure you've seen them in any catalog.
You can use a step drill if big enought to drill out the bushing sleeve and then I use a air chisel to drive out the bushing and sleeve. I made a flaring tool to install the new ones.
I wrote up a procedure and pictorial on 63-64 arms and posted here last year. You may still find it if it wasn't deleted. If not go back to DC and look in the C3 rear sus index and you'll find it.
Good luck with the car. I would buy stock replacement small head strut rods and not worry about the jam nuts loosing up like they do at times.
You don't want to rush this job and wreck parts you may be able to save. I've done plenty of them and there are some special tools you'll need to do the endplay setup and bushing staking. I'm sure you've seen them in any catalog.
You can use a step drill if big enought to drill out the bushing sleeve and then I use a air chisel to drive out the bushing and sleeve. I made a flaring tool to install the new ones.
I wrote up a procedure and pictorial on 63-64 arms and posted here last year. You may still find it if it wasn't deleted. If not go back to DC and look in the C3 rear sus index and you'll find it.
Good luck with the car. I would buy stock replacement small head strut rods and not worry about the jam nuts loosing up like they do at times.
