Strut Rods
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 334
Likes: 56
Strut Rods
Hello. I have some questions about strut rod bushings on a 69.The outboard bushings are showing wear and tear but the inboard bushings are in good shape? My questions are, is it usually hard to remove the old bushing that have been there for years, what is required to press in the new bushing and if only replacing the two outer bushings will an rear wheel alignment be necessary? Thanks for all assistance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,645
Likes: 2,464
From: Indiana
Not sure it’s too different than a 79 but here’s how I did mine take note of your settings but I wouldn’t worry about a rear alignment but you can do it yourself.
removing the shock support is going to be the most difficult task.
lots of great advice i got
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...od-advice.html
removing the shock support is going to be the most difficult task.
lots of great advice i got
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...od-advice.html
Last edited by interpon; Nov 24, 2020 at 07:00 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,334
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Removing the bushings isn't a real problem and a press probably isn't needed... removing the shock/strut mount is usually the problem as it's bonded into the bushing sleeve on the molecular level 
But hundreds or even thousands of them have been taken off and swapped out, the tool to drive the mount out without destroying the thread is a great help if they don't want to budge.
Alignment probably not needed, the change will be insignificant. If it was ok before it will be again, mark the position of the adjustment cams and put it back where it was
M
But hundreds or even thousands of them have been taken off and swapped out, the tool to drive the mount out without destroying the thread is a great help if they don't want to budge.
Alignment probably not needed, the change will be insignificant. If it was ok before it will be again, mark the position of the adjustment cams and put it back where it was
M
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
Depending on how attached your car is to the current strut rods have the following handy.
1. BFH
2. Air Hammer
3. HEAT
Having a tool handy to save the bolt threads is super helpful (I just put a hardened nut on the end). In my case I was replacing the strut rods (originals were bent by a bubba trying to align the car) so I just blew them off at the joint with a torch. I was only able to get one bolt out. The passenger side just would not budge. Sludge hammer, heat, air hammer, penetrating oil, nothing worked. Eventually I just blew through that bolt with a cutting torch after fighting with it for almost an hour. Sometimes they can be that stuck.
1. BFH
2. Air Hammer
3. HEAT
Having a tool handy to save the bolt threads is super helpful (I just put a hardened nut on the end). In my case I was replacing the strut rods (originals were bent by a bubba trying to align the car) so I just blew them off at the joint with a torch. I was only able to get one bolt out. The passenger side just would not budge. Sludge hammer, heat, air hammer, penetrating oil, nothing worked. Eventually I just blew through that bolt with a cutting torch after fighting with it for almost an hour. Sometimes they can be that stuck.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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yes, those lower shock mounts can be a real bear!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 652
From: Thunder Bay
That would get the rubber and the inner sleeve out, but you still have to press out the outer sleeve before you press in the new bushing.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana