What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
I am ready to reassemble my rear suspension. All parts are in hand and restored/re-plated, except the shocks which I still need to buy. As I study the assembly manual and related books, I am a bit puzzled on what goes on first. I have the differential and rebuilt trailing arms installed. The frame is on a lift. The trailing arms are held in place by the bolt on the frame. What holds the trailing arms in position to install the strut rods, half shafts and springs? I could use some strapping to lift the trailing arm so that it is closer to the correct angle for the half shafts to be installed but I haven't seen that used in any of my research. I suppose I could put the wheels on and lower the lift so the wheels hold the trailing arms in position while I put the remaining parts on, but that adds lots more weight on the trailing arm. Any suggestions?
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Nothing. It's the half shafts and strut rods that hold the trailing arms in position.
Lift the trailing arms till it's about in mid postion of it's travel. This will make it easiest to attach the aforementioned hardware. Attach the spring last. -
Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Hi Richard,
Because of the constraints of the trailing arm pocket shape, and the angle limits of the half-shaft u-joints, the t-arm can't drop down far enough to set the bolt and bushings that connect the end of the spring to the t-arm in it's unloaded shape.
So the end of the spring must be brought up to meet the t-arm.
There are various ways to do this.
Some people use a jack to raise the spring end up while others use a 'come-along' to pull the spring end up.
In either case you need to use caution since as you load the spring the stored energy becomes quite great and you wouldn't want anything to slip.
Here's a picture of it being done on a chassis on jack stands and without a body using a floor jack. The back of the frame needed to be loaded with a weight greater than the spring's rating in order to raise the spring and not just lift the frame.
I'd think some other members will have some suggestions and cautions too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
OK. I will raise the TA by a strap or something, then bolt up the half shafts and strut rod. I will then lower the TA to attach the springs, which is will be fun in it's own right! I don't have to worry about anything bending/twisting when I lower the TA, prior to attaching the spring? Thanks much. RichComment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Thanks Alan. I have survived the installation of the front coil springs without inflicting any damage to me. I have been reading and studying on the leaf spring, but will tackle that once I get the half shafts and the strut rods attached. More news to follow. Thanks, Rich.Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Rich------
The rear leaf spring installation is FAR easier than the front coil springs. Tip: do not tighten the 4 retaining bolts until the spring is completely de-arched (i.e. in the "on-the-ground" configuration).In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
How did you disassemble everything?
You said the frame is on a lift. Frame only, or is the body on the frame?
A photo of the current setup would help.
DukeComment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Duke, Seems to me that when I took it apart, (two years ago) I took the shocks off first, then the spring (I cut the bolts off since they were hopelessly rusted). I cant recall whether I took the half shafts off first or the strut rods. I attached some pics of the current situation. Thanks. RichComment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Joe, I sweat bullets over the coil springs and with help from the archives it turned out ok. Per your tip, I will wait till I get it on the ground, and probably the body on as well for some added weight, until I tighten up the 4 retaining bolts. Thanks for the tip.Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
The shocks should be installed before the spring is hooked up to the trailing arm, because the shocks limit the suspension extension for a bare chassis with the rear spring installed.
The easiest and safest way to attach the rear spring to the trailing arm is to place a floor jack on the rear crossmember above the spring end (with 2X6 spacers to avoid scratching the frame) and loop a plastic coated 1/8" wire rope around the floor jack lifting pad and the end of the spring (with a piece of wood clamped to the spring to prevent the wire rope from sliding up the spring). Simply jack up the wire rope and the spring end raises up to where the trailing arm bolt can be attached. No ballast or hard work. Turn the floor jack to the other side and repeat.
However, the toe in shims should be installed before the spring is attached. Use the dimensions in the assembly manual to block up the suspension at ride height with camber set to zero (so you can reference off the brake rotor) to set the toe in shims without having to contend with spring forces. I imagine it was done this way at the factory.Comment
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71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
I seem to recall an issue of the "Restorer" (when there were resto articles
), that showed threaded rod down through a hole in frame to coil spring compressor 'fingers?' then turning a nut on rod (above frame) to draw spring up. Obviously this can only be done when the body is off like you are doing. Looked interesting, I can try and dig through old issues if need be. But Alan's method works pretty well.
1973 LS-4 454 coupe owned 24 years (7 of those with a respectable front bumper)
1996 LT-4 Collector Edition coupe owned 13 months
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA-currently on tap!Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
OK on the shocks. I will need to source those for both the rear and front. The jack solution sounds rather simple and not one I had considered. Although I can see where I would need a good bit of padding to protect my pretty frame. Thanks for the tips!!!!!!Comment
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Re: What is the correct sequence for rear suspension assembly on L46
Thanks Alan. I appreciate the tip!Comment
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