Remove trailing arm bushing/Strut Rods???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 107
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From: Hollywood MD
Remove trailing arm bushing/Strut Rods???
How do you remove the front trailing arm bushing on a 68? Also, why are my strut rod bushing ends different diameters? Do they take the same bushing? Are they supposed to be different? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 419
From: Seattle Area WA
An air chisel works when removing the trailing arm bushings.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...=rear+bearings
When you say strut rod bushings are different, do you mean one rod is different than the other rod? If so, someone probably installed a replacement (later year) rod.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...=rear+bearings
When you say strut rod bushings are different, do you mean one rod is different than the other rod? If so, someone probably installed a replacement (later year) rod.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Feb 11, 2008 at 06:22 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,348
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
As Scott said, one of your strut rods was replaced in the past. Somewhere in the mid-'70's GM switched over to rods with larger ends and they switched to 3" half shafts from 2 1/2".
My car suffered a catastrophic half shaft failure prior to me owning it. Drivers side had the larger strut rod, larger halfshaft and a big frickin' hole in the battery box.
Were you able to remove the TA? If not you may need to cut the bolt with a Sawzall.
My car suffered a catastrophic half shaft failure prior to me owning it. Drivers side had the larger strut rod, larger halfshaft and a big frickin' hole in the battery box.
Were you able to remove the TA? If not you may need to cut the bolt with a Sawzall.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 32
From: North Alabama
St. Jude Donor '24-'26
I was able to use an oversized drill bit and just drill one end out. The rest was easy.
Liek the other guys said, sounds like one was replaced.
Obviously, they will take different sizes. I recommend replacing with poly bushings, unless you're worried about NCRS points or something.
I would take this opportunity to replace the strut rods with either new stock units or upgrade to lighter (and more adjustable) carbon-alloy units.
Liek the other guys said, sounds like one was replaced.
Obviously, they will take different sizes. I recommend replacing with poly bushings, unless you're worried about NCRS points or something.
I would take this opportunity to replace the strut rods with either new stock units or upgrade to lighter (and more adjustable) carbon-alloy units.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 107
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From: Hollywood MD
Thanks. Here I thought my car was all original-minus some engine upgrades. I guess this falls back on the saying "you really don't what you got until you take it apart". Anyhow, I got the front bushings out and plan on replacing the strut rod with an original size. Can I press in the front bushing in a vice or do I need a special tool? Thanks
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 32
From: North Alabama
St. Jude Donor '24-'26
Unless you're worried about maintaining the originality of the car and judging, I would HIGHLY recommend switching to these http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=526 they are a much better strut rod with greater adjustability. I have found that some shops will not align these Vettes if they have the original strut rod/camber adjusters.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,348
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Unless you're worried about maintaining the originality of the car and judging, I would HIGHLY recommend switching to these http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=526 they are a much better strut rod with greater adjustability. I have found that some shops will not align these Vettes if they have the original strut rod/camber adjusters.
That may be because the original components are worn to the point of being out of adjustment range. Having just replaced the strut rod bushings on my car and repalcing the camber bolts I was able to set the camber very easily with handtools and a level.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 275
From: Naples FL
"I would HIGHLY recommend switching to these http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=526 they are a much better strut rod with greater adjustability."
The only problem is that these strut rods use heim joints. Heim joints are wonderful on race cars. The problem is that they're noisey and they need cleaning on a regular basis. Racers have no problems with this.
If you have a street car do you really want to remove the strut rods every six months for cleaning?
Vette Brakes also have some strut rods with poly bushings. I prefer these for a street car.
Richard Newton
How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982
Ultimate Garage Handbook
The only problem is that these strut rods use heim joints. Heim joints are wonderful on race cars. The problem is that they're noisey and they need cleaning on a regular basis. Racers have no problems with this.
If you have a street car do you really want to remove the strut rods every six months for cleaning?
Vette Brakes also have some strut rods with poly bushings. I prefer these for a street car.
Richard Newton
How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982
Ultimate Garage Handbook
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