Trailing arm removal
03-11-2009, 09:18 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Rocklin California
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trailing arm removal
I am doing a frame off on my dads 73 coupe. Body is off, front suspension off, now I'm starting on the rear. My question is the trailing arm bolts. Once I have the nuts off can I just use my trusty BFH and drive the bolts out or are they treaded and have to be screwed out or cut? Thanks in advance, Bubs. 
03-11-2009, 09:47 AM
#2
Safety Car
If you are talking about the front bolts, yes you can just drive them out.
If you are talking about the shock mount bolts then no, you can't drive them out without a special tool to prevent destroying them.
It amounts to a threaded nut with one end sealed to bottom out against the end of the bolt.
I've read where people have used a threaded pipe cap from a hardware store with success. Others have used a special puller with a center bar to keep it from slipping off the bolt.
Oh, and soak them with PB Blaster in a bowl large enough to immerse them.
cc
If you are talking about the shock mount bolts then no, you can't drive them out without a special tool to prevent destroying them.
It amounts to a threaded nut with one end sealed to bottom out against the end of the bolt.
I've read where people have used a threaded pipe cap from a hardware store with success. Others have used a special puller with a center bar to keep it from slipping off the bolt.
Oh, and soak them with PB Blaster in a bowl large enough to immerse them.
cc
03-11-2009, 09:49 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Knoxville Tennessee
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
5 Posts
Sometimes the bushings rust so badly to the bolts that you will have to use a sawsall and cut the bolts to get them out. Buy several blades and be prepared to cut them. I had to cut mine. Hope this helps.
Bernie
Bernie
03-11-2009, 10:44 AM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
Posts: 38,928
Likes: 0
Received 1,470 Likes
on
1,249 Posts
Cruise-In II Veteran
BEFORE you mess with the T-arms, tape the shim stacks together and mark their location. You have to reinstall them in the same positions they came out. If you will be using new shims, you will want the new stack to be the same size as the old stack it is replacing.
03-11-2009, 10:48 AM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Posts: 16,975
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
what Mike said...If it comes to sawzall time...get cutting oil and use slow speed, as the bolts are grade 5. Fast speed will just chew up the blade...
