C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

[Elko P.]

I'm in the middle of teardown of the rear suspension of my 66. working on getting it down to the frame. The body is off, so I'm able to get at everything. The spring, brakes, lines, rotors, & shocks are already off. I'm left with the trailing arms, half shafts, & differential.

Any help is appreciated.

What's my next move??

[Dan White]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

I don't know how badly rusted your trailing arm pivot bolts are, but mine were terrible. I ended up cutting them off with a sawzall to get the trailing arms out. Good Luck!!!

[Dan White]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

I don't know how badly rusted your trailing arm pivot bolts are, but mine were terrible. I ended up cutting them off with a sawzall to get the trailing arms out. Good Luck!!!

[Bill Braun #33186]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

I've eyeballed those on my '66 and I have no intention of trying to get them out, but it doesn't look like they can be removed without lifting the body off. Or are my eyes failing?

B



B

[Bill Braun #33186]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

I've eyeballed those on my '66 and I have no intention of trying to get them out, but it doesn't look like they can be removed without lifting the body off. Or are my eyes failing?

B



B

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

My 66 pivot bolts had mild-medium rust on them and I was able to drive them out with a homemade punch made from an 18" section of all-thread. I put a mild bend in it to keep it away from the body and just drove it out. Got this idea from my friend who did the same thing with his 73. My 72 bolts were like new and I was able to push them out by hand without any difficulty.

Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

My 66 pivot bolts had mild-medium rust on them and I was able to drive them out with a homemade punch made from an 18" section of all-thread. I put a mild bend in it to keep it away from the body and just drove it out. Got this idea from my friend who did the same thing with his 73. My 72 bolts were like new and I was able to push them out by hand without any difficulty.

Gary

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

Elko,

I did my '63 with the body off also. It was so easy that way.

I would first record the position of the cam bolts for the strut rods and the number and size of the shims on both the inside and outside of each trailing arm. (Note: You may need to record the shims while you remove the trailing arms.) Then, I would remove the half-shafts, struts, spring, differential and the trailing arms.

If you don't already have one, you should get a copy of the Corvette Shop manual to help you remove everything. I did not tell you here but, removing the spring is VERY dangerous if you do not do it correctly. You don't want to just unbolt the ends! Also, you may want to get a copy of the AIM to help you assemble everything.

Good luck.

Gary

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

Elko,

I did my '63 with the body off also. It was so easy that way.

I would first record the position of the cam bolts for the strut rods and the number and size of the shims on both the inside and outside of each trailing arm. (Note: You may need to record the shims while you remove the trailing arms.) Then, I would remove the half-shafts, struts, spring, differential and the trailing arms.

If you don't already have one, you should get a copy of the Corvette Shop manual to help you remove everything. I did not tell you here but, removing the spring is VERY dangerous if you do not do it correctly. You don't want to just unbolt the ends! Also, you may want to get a copy of the AIM to help you assemble everything.

Good luck.

Gary

[Irby G.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

Check this out!!!!

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002/april/trailingarm2/arm2-1.ASP

[Irby G.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Removal (66)

Check this out!!!!

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002/april/trailingarm2/arm2-1.ASP