Trailing arm Setup Help
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Woodstock Ct
Trailing arm Setup Help
I new to this and so far have done all my own work on my 71 BB. I decided to do my rear suspension and all went well until this point. I'm rebuilding the trailng arms I'm done up to reinstalling the Spindles. Bought all new bearings and seals. Got the install kit from Duntov and followed all the instructions. Using the setup tool had both sides set at .001-.002 play. Greased up the first side and installed and the assembly has .015-017 play. What am i doing wrong? do i have to take out the bearing and seal and start over? so close yet so far at this point.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Woodstock Ct
Thanks Gtr. I was afraid that was what I had to do, but wanted to make sure before I riped it apart. I did exactly what they said to do with the setup tool. I didn't grind in the large spacers because it did not mic bad it was not .015 out or I would have. I did grind in the thin spacer to give me my .001 - .002 end play. Reassemble with the setup tool and all looked good. So I went to final assembly luckly I only did one side. I guess my next question is if I can't trust the setup tool what do I do? Just keep wrecking brearing till I get it right? Is this something that you can work on?
Racer
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rear wheel bearings
Since the late 70's and on numerous C-3's , I have machined the rear spindle by taking .001"-.002" off of the area where the inner bearing presses on to make it a tight slip fit instead of a tight press fit. It can then be assembled, checked for clearance, and dissassembled easily if necessary for a shim change. No damage to bearing and it makes it a lot easier to reassemble and disassemble. Have done this to numerous C-3's and never had a problem. I got this idea from a major Corvette magazine years ago when they did a article on rear wheel bearings. It seems to work fine.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Since the late 70's and on numerous C-3's , I have machined the rear spindle by taking .001"-.002" off of the area where the inner bearing presses on to make it a tight slip fit instead of a tight press fit. It can then be assembled, checked for clearance, and dissassembled easily if necessary for a shim change. No damage to bearing and it makes it a lot easier to reassemble and disassemble. Have done this to numerous C-3's and never had a problem. I got this idea from a major Corvette magazine years ago when they did a article on rear wheel bearings. It seems to work fine.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 53
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From: Woodstock Ct
Thanks for the Info. I talked with GTR1999 and will try one more time to get it right. will have to buy another bearing because I know I will wreck the one on the spindle. I'll let you know how the rookie makes out with this. So far this has been the most difficult repair. The rest of the rear end rebuild has been a piece of cake to these spindles. That goes for the interior and vacuum issues. Learning a lot about corvettes and getting quite good at being patient
