question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

[Michael L.]

Gusy,

I'm confused on how the trailing arm is supposed to bolt up to the leaf spring. Looking at the AIM and judging by what came in my paragon trailing arm kit I have assembled it correctly but it sure doesn't look right to me. Please see pic below and let me know what I'm missing. Thanks.

Mike

trailing arm-leaf spring.jpg

[Michael G.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Not an expert, but I think I'd put the rest of the suspension components on before the spring ends get loaded....

[Paul O.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Both large washers are inverted the tapered edge goes toward the bushing.

[Michael W.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Please see pic below and let me know what I'm missing. Thanks.

You're missing the half shaft and strut rod. Those get attached before the spring bolt.

[Michael L.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Thanks guys. I realize I still have other items to attach to the trailing arm. Your advice on the sequence is much appreciated and I'll follow it. What I'm asking though is am I missing any hardware specifically where the leaf bolts to the trailing arm? As you can see there is a large gap between the trailing arm and the leaf where only the leaf spring bolt exists. Normally when the suspension is complete is there just a
4 inch gap between the trailing arm and leaf spring? Is there nothing between this gap but the leaf spring mounting bolt? Maybe that is the case but it Seems weird. I apologize for what may seem like an obvious question but it's been probably 6-7 years since I took the chassis apart and I just can't remember. Thanks.

Mike

[Brian K.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Mike I just did this on Saturday, you have it correct except your big washers are upside down as mentioned by Paul. The rounded curve of the washer goes toward the bushing, it states this in your assembly manual. Also listen to what the others said about order of assembly, I installed half shafts first then strut rods and shocks with the spring being the last item. The big gap between the trailing arm and spring with only the bolt shaft in between is correct.

[Alan S.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Hi Mike,
NICE looking work!
Perhaps this picture will help.
Notice it's a frame and running gear without the body so is likely what you'll see when you first turn your chassis over.
Regards,
Alan

[Michael L.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Thanks guys that is very helpful, especially the picture Alan. I will reassemble with the spring being done last and flipping the washers.

Mike

[Richard M.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Mike, Just in case.......

Do not torque the 4 spring to carrier bolts until ALL of the weight is on the chassis and the complete body is assembled to it will all weight.

Test the depth of the forward carrier holes and do some measurements to verify that the bolts will not bottom out, especially if you've rebuilt the rear spring or are using a reproduction. Some info HERE.

Also ensure that the center bolt to hold the leaves together is not going to cause a problem. I had to grind the replacement on this one, HERE.

Rich

[Michael L.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Thanks Rich. I addressed the leaf center bolt already. I had no binding problems but I did already torque the four spring to carrier bolts without the spring having weight on it. I can see how that could impact the torque settings when it is actually on the ground. I will re-torque when the car is on the ground.

Mike

[Leif A.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Mike,
I believe you will want to back those bolts off BEFORE you set the car on the ground. This will allow the spring to "move" a bit and settle before you put the appropriate torque to the four carrier bolts.

[Michael L.]

Re: question on trailing arm-leaf spring attachment

Ok will do.