Changing to comp. spring and strut rods-any tips
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: Murphy Texas
Changing to comp. spring and strut rods-any tips
Changing out my steel for comp. rear spring and also puting in new HD strut rods. is there a way to measure ( or do I need to ) the strut setting as it is before I remove all that stuff, so that I have a baseline when the new ones are in and its not terribly off so its drivable for alinment. And any tips on switching out the spring, also bought the 8" bolts. And do you just crank down on those nuts to get the ride height correct?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Ok
Originally Posted by jake1
Changing out my steel for comp. rear spring and also puting in new HD strut rods. is there a way to measure ( or do I need to ) the strut setting as it is before I remove all that stuff, so that I have a baseline when the new ones are in and its not terribly off so its drivable for alinment. And any tips on switching out the spring, also bought the 8" bolts. And do you just crank down on those nuts to get the ride height correct?
I set my rear camber by eyeball after spring replacement a year ago and promised I get it aligned but never did. No issues with uneven wear so I quit worrrying about it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I just took the old ones out and used them to adjust the new ones to approximately the same length (stuck a bolt through each end). To do it right, you'll have to get an alignment anyway - this should be good enough to get you to the alignment shop. Yep - adjust the nuts on the bolts for ride height.
Good luck -
Good luck -
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
See today's thread titles "Strut Rod Holes." Yes, use the trailing arm to spring bolt to adjust rear wheel height. The best length for this bolt, in terms of reducing stress/wear on the U-joints is to have the half-axles parallel to the ground. To lower the car you increase the length of the bolt. My 8 inch bolts weren't long enough. I'll be putting on 10" bolts soon.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
When you install your spring to the rear cover, tighten each of the 4 bolts a little bit at a time. If you run each bolt up all the way, one at a time, you can possibly break on of the ears off the diff cover.
