1979 vette trailing arm

[Glenn28132]

I am trying to get the bolt out of my trailing arm so I can get the arm out to change bushings. The bolt that holds the arm to the frame. I have soaked it down with wd 40 and used a rod to try to drive it out. it well not come out.
I have thought about useing the cutting tourch to cut it out. anyone have any ideas on how to get it out.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979 vette trailing arm

Glenn-----

These bolts can be a "bear" to remove if significant corrosion has affected them and/or the bushing center retainer. For cars from the northeast and midwest, this is a VERY common malady.

I would hesitate to use a torch for fear of doing "colateral damage" to the frame or trailing arm. A fairly often used method is to cut them out using a Sawzall. If you can remove the toe adjustment shims on either side of the trailing arm forward bushing, the job will be MUCH easier. Since your shims are slotted on the inner end you should be able to remove them unless corrosion is really severe. In that case, you will need to cut through them using the Sawzall. This will require quite a few blades, so be prepared. But, know that others have been down this road and have succeeded using this method.

[John C. Woods]

Re: 1979 vette trailing arm

Glen: Joe offers sage advice. In addition to the metal parts in that area that you need to be careful with, there is a large amount of fiberglass around that spot as well, and some of that has exterior paint on the outside. I must admit that I finally decided that one stuck trailing arm had a bushing that looked much better like it was after attempting to get it out via the torch route. Wheel bearings and all the other service changes can be done with the arm on the car. Finally, make sure to keep the inside and outside shim clusters together so you can replace them as they came out. They probably are swelled from rust and will not want to go back easily even if you clean them on a wire wheel. However, GM sells them at a fair price and all you need to know is which size went where to put together a new set.

good luck!