Rear Suspension Upgrade Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 20
From: Shorewood IL
Rear Suspension Upgrade Question
I'm planning on changing out the rear spring on my '80. I've got the spring and bolt kit along with new adjustable strut rods. I figured while I was at it I'd install the adjustable strut rods and new shocks. It looks like the spring change out is really simple and should take about an hour. I was looking at the shock mounts and it looks like they're rusted in place. I started spraying them down with PB blaster last fall (one can total) and again this week. So my question is what is the best way to get them out? I don't have a torch so using heat is not an option. I'm thinking about taking it and having it done but I'd like to know what options are out there. Are the shock mounts a "press fit" when I reinstall the old ones?
I think I might go ahead and order new shock mounts incase they have to be cut off.
Let me know what you guys have done.
Thanks for the help.
This forum is awesome, better than a shop manual!
I think I might go ahead and order new shock mounts incase they have to be cut off.
Let me know what you guys have done.
Thanks for the help.
This forum is awesome, better than a shop manual!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
The strut rods have inner sleeves that rust to the shock mount. You very likely don't get he PBblaster to where it's needed (between the sleeve and the shock mount).
IF (and that is an IF) the shock mounts won't come out DON'T hit them too hard - it will damage the threads and you will need new shock mounts ($40 each and a few days down time because of shipping)
You can cut the strut rod and cut the rubber part between outer and inner sleeve, then cut very carefully the inner sleeve and crack it open so that you get the penetrating oil in that gap. Then get a hammer and a thread protector and hammer the shock mount out.
You have new strut rods, therefore you shouldn't have to worry about the old ones.
Here's what this "surgery" looks like:
The photo below shows the strut rod cut and pushed upwards, exposing the inner sleeve with the cut... it also shows the damage to the thread
I tried hammering it out first ... this was number 1 out of the two... I was able to safe the other shock mount....
IF (and that is an IF) the shock mounts won't come out DON'T hit them too hard - it will damage the threads and you will need new shock mounts ($40 each and a few days down time because of shipping)
You can cut the strut rod and cut the rubber part between outer and inner sleeve, then cut very carefully the inner sleeve and crack it open so that you get the penetrating oil in that gap. Then get a hammer and a thread protector and hammer the shock mount out.
You have new strut rods, therefore you shouldn't have to worry about the old ones.
Here's what this "surgery" looks like:
The photo below shows the strut rod cut and pushed upwards, exposing the inner sleeve with the cut... it also shows the damage to the thread
I tried hammering it out first ... this was number 1 out of the two... I was able to safe the other shock mount....
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg Pennsylvania
I used PB Blaster,the tool which threads on the L shaped shock bracket and a 3 lb mini sledge. I let them soak for a week,then beat the crap out out of them. You might as well invest in new shock brackets from VetteBrakes while your at it. During assembly,coat those brackets with anti-seeze.
Dave
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I would try a 2 jaw puller like this one.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&bidsite=CRAFT
I've heard it works. It's surprising what you can remove with one of those. You may want to drill a shallow hole in the shock mount to keep the puller centered if necessary. I pressed mine out in a vise but that requires you to remove the rear bearing assembly. Good luck.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&bidsite=CRAFT
I've heard it works. It's surprising what you can remove with one of those. You may want to drill a shallow hole in the shock mount to keep the puller centered if necessary. I pressed mine out in a vise but that requires you to remove the rear bearing assembly. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 20
From: Shorewood IL
Originally Posted by Dave L.'s 81
I used PB Blaster,the tool which threads on the L shaped shock bracket and a 3 lb mini sledge. I let them soak for a week,then beat the crap out out of them. You might as well invest in new shock brackets from VetteBrakes while your at it. During assembly,coat those brackets with anti-seeze.
Dave
Dave
I think I'm going to get the new shock mounts as well.
I take it a trusty sawzall would make quick work of the old mount?
On reassembly, do the shock mounts slide in or are they a press fit?
Last edited by baja216; Apr 9, 2005 at 09:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 20
From: Shorewood IL
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
The new shock mounts have a tight fit but are easy to install, you just pull them into the fit by tightening the nut.... use lots of anti-seize ...
I'm ordering new ones today.
I'm also getting some anti-sieze for the project.
