Solid axle front suspension

[Kris Schmalenberg]

The front suspension on the 58 was in need of an overhaul. All went well until I realized that I would have to replace the upper inner control arm bushings in the shock towers. Does anyone know the correct procedure for replacing these? What is the best way to align the bushings and ensure that the threads are indexed properly.

Thank you

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

Process is detailed reasonably well in the ST-12 manual, Section 3 starting about page 9. I've done it, but there's not too much to add beyond the St-12 except that the replacement upper inner shafts come in oversizes, and you might have to check thru several manufacturer's sets to find the proper oversize to snug the shaft up solidly in your housing.

[Mark Malone]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

Just adding to what Bill said.

Make sure that you get the right oversize as I got a full rebuild set from CC for my 59 and the shafts were too big an oversize and I had a huge problem getting them in. I guess that the made up sets assume that it is the second or third rebuild thus supply a significant oversize. There's only a few thou difference but it can make a big difference come fitting time.

I suggest that you use one of the more "personal" vendors preferably one that actualy asks what the size of your old shafts are although it is difficult to take an acurate measurement.

Good Luck!

Mark.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

"replacement upper inner shafts come in oversizes"

Are they marked with what the oversize is? If not, is there any way to tell?

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

I generally just line up all that I have and measure them at the threaded area where the shaft screws into the crossmember with a vernier caliper, line them up by size and make my pick by trial fitting.

[Kris Schmalenberg]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

Thanks for the responses. Sorry if I was not clear but I need to replace the bushing that the shaft screws into. These are welded on to the shock tower and mine are stripped. I do have some new shafts but they are from CC. If I find that they are too big who has a bunch that I can measure?

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

it's not really a bushing, just a big screw thread cut directly into the housing. That's why the new ones come with oversize threads, to allow them to seat in the worn housing. Measure the one you have and try it. If too tight or too loose you will then have a reference to work from. In this case, one too tight for someone else might be just right for you.

[Kris Schmalenberg]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

There does seem to be a seperate piece spotwelded to the housing that provides for the threads. Mine are beyond salvage. Even the oversize shafts are very loose. Has anyone replaced these threads? They are available from corvette central and are on the way.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

Some of the old kits used the parts you are describing, essentially you tighten the extra piece in position then weld it to the crossmember. I only had to do that once, on a car that had run on the street for quite a while with "spring jacks" in place to lift the front end up, '60s style.

[John L.]

Re: Solid axle front suspension

I just replaced the upper inner bushings on my 62. The bushings are available from Paragon. Process is:
1.Drill out spot welds and remove bushings
2.You need to drill out the hole in the tower a little to accept new bushing.
3.Put shaft thru tower and run up bushings (Note: Make sure the larger end of the shaft is to the outside so that the shaft can be replaced in the future without dropping the crossmember.
4. Weld in place.