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I have turned the corner on my months long project to rebuild / restore the rear suspension on my stock 71. I have rebuilt the diff, had the trailing arms rebuilt, new u joints, rebuilt the spring, new struts, hardware, bushings etc etc. As I reassemble everything I am mindful not to torque bushing hardware until suspension is at sprung ride height. However as I look at the geometry of the suspension in the unsprung position, I am questioning whether the new strut rod bushings and possibly the spring bushings will be damaged if left in this position for several months while tackle the front suspension. Those strut rods really look awkward in the diff bracket with the trailing arms fully down. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
While everything is loose, replace the stock-style strut rods with heim-jointed strut rods. It won't look awkward hanging there, and you'll thank me later.
Sorry for the hijack....
How much of the rear suspension can be torqued to the AIM values while on stands/quick Jack?
I would think half shafts are ok to torque. I know the spring plate is torqued after car is on the ground.
What can be torqued now and what needs to wait?
If you are not doing an NCRS resto, consider using later 1970 plus stainless steel shims for the trailing arms. It will be easier to assemble and much easier to align the rear. And as mentioned above, do not use poly. Now would also be the time to rebuild the brakes and change out the rubber hoses at each corner if they have not been recently changed. Jerry
Rear Suspension Reassembly
