Trailing arms are almost off....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
Trailing arms are almost off....
Hello all, I am in the process of pulling off the whole rear suspension. I have intended on rebuilding everything. I have the driver side trailing arm off and the bearing feels really tight. The T/A bolt was WAY EASY coming out. It does turn pretty easy and I can barely hear the bearings. The passenger side trailing arm is a bit rusty, but doesn't look to be too bad. I am painting everything up, but should I rebuild the bearings? Also, It was quite a struggle getting the T/A off because the bushing was really tight. I had to tap it out with a block of wood and a hammer. How hard is it going to get it back in? I plan on using polyurethane bushings- will it be near impossible to get them back in? Also, The side yoke moves in and out about 3/16". I'm sure I will rebuild that also. Is it pretty straight-forward or is it going to be a pain? Thanks in advance......Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Re: Trailing arms are almost off.... (79VetteMike)
Mike, I did this last winter 2001/2002 along with several other forum members.
I would suggest you replace the bearings, assuming you have access to the proper tools to do it properly - or farm it out. Tearing down the rear suspension is not something you want to do all the time.
Your trailing arm was probably sandwiched into the frame pocket with the alignment shims. Pull the shims out - they are slotted for easy installation (the 63 had holes in the shims - how in the world would you align the rear?). You'll be able to re-install the T-arm, then pound in the shims to take up the space, tighten the bolt and head for the alignment shop. The alignment guy will appreciate having a freshly rebuilt rear suspension so he doesn't have to be the guy to remove rusted bolts and siezed bushings.
I'll let someone else address the side yokes, but it sounds like excessive play to me.
And you might consider the aftermarket trailing arms - it's surprising how flimsy the stock trailing arms appear.
I would suggest you replace the bearings, assuming you have access to the proper tools to do it properly - or farm it out. Tearing down the rear suspension is not something you want to do all the time.
Your trailing arm was probably sandwiched into the frame pocket with the alignment shims. Pull the shims out - they are slotted for easy installation (the 63 had holes in the shims - how in the world would you align the rear?). You'll be able to re-install the T-arm, then pound in the shims to take up the space, tighten the bolt and head for the alignment shop. The alignment guy will appreciate having a freshly rebuilt rear suspension so he doesn't have to be the guy to remove rusted bolts and siezed bushings.
I'll let someone else address the side yokes, but it sounds like excessive play to me.
And you might consider the aftermarket trailing arms - it's surprising how flimsy the stock trailing arms appear.
