Strut rod replacement
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 71
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From: PA
Strut rod replacement
Please forgive me for the stupid noob questions, but, In the process of removing the differential I marked my strut rod camber adjustment bolts so I know where things should be when the new rear goes in. If I have to cut off the strut rod (frozen rear shock mount), can I simply install the new strut rod and use the marked camber adjustment bolts to be back in synch, or does life not work that way?!! I don't want to cut the strut rod, and am going to try the great suggestions that I'm receiving on another thread, but worse case scenario if I have to destroy the strut rod I was hoping that my marks on the camber adjustment bolt would somehow save my rear alignment (somewhat). Thanks for any assistance.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You should be okay, but I would still have it checked... But for the record, in in over thirty years of this, I've never had to cut a strut rod to remove a stuck shock bolt....
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 71
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From: PA
I'd prefer not to cut it, but I'm getting wigged out with all that I'm reading about broken ears. That's a big expense that I can't afford. I'll probably soak it for a while and try some heat prior to cutting.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If it's stuck.. I heat the shock bolt on the fat end (where the knurls are) with a torch seat.. then I try tapping it out again.
If that fails I'll cut the bolt off with the torches about 1/8" from the support. Once I cut it off, I can usually tap it out with ease. The cast support can take the heat that transfers without any issue.
Look for Noonie on here too.. he made a tool for pressing the out the bolt and it seems to be a perfect solution for stock bolts. I've tried to replicate this tool in my shop but I've not had enough time to finish with the fabrication.
Willcox
If that fails I'll cut the bolt off with the torches about 1/8" from the support. Once I cut it off, I can usually tap it out with ease. The cast support can take the heat that transfers without any issue.
Look for Noonie on here too.. he made a tool for pressing the out the bolt and it seems to be a perfect solution for stock bolts. I've tried to replicate this tool in my shop but I've not had enough time to finish with the fabrication.
Willcox
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
Willcox, do you have a good write-up on how to remove the rear-end with many of the problems that happen during this, and to solve the problems???? THANKS for all the other films that you provide to us!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 110
From: Garland Texas
Don't be concerned about camber adjustment position. Once you get it back together with a good spring the adjustment will be different. If you can't get the lower shock mounts out then just leave them in and ship the trailing arms with the strut rods still attached.
Mike
Mike
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Don't be concerned about camber adjustment position. Once you get it back together with a good spring the adjustment will be different. If you can't get the lower shock mounts out then just leave them in and ship the trailing arms with the strut rods still attached.
Mike
Mike
Me.... I'd have it checked regardless... It's too cheap.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Nov 11, 2013 at 06:15 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Lighting was a bit of an issue, as we stability... but we took video for about three hours before I stopped... Maybe there is enough on all the vid's to combine and make one good one. But you have to figure if we took three hours to film, I have to listen all of it, over and over, cut, splice and you're probably getting the picture.
Maybe over the Holidays' I can work on it some.
Willcox
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