Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

[Gary B.]

[Alan D.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Note if you can not find some, I purchased the ones shown in #13 back in early 70's, still like new, not dried out. Also check with "DR."

[Harry S.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Note if you can not find some, I purchased the ones shown in #13 back in early 70's, still like new, not dried out. Also check with "DR."

The good Dr. is out of stock.

[James W.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

I recently bought NOS GM cushions from a GM wholesale dealer on the internet. When they arrived in the GM packages they were not dried out. I installed them on my '65 and everything is good.

Bill,

I would buy the repros from any of the Corvette parts vendors, as long as they aren't the poly cushions. Corvette Central has rubber cushions for $14.65 each, p/n 582052. ZIP is out of stock.

James

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Thanks, James

[Keith M.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Apologize if this was covered already. I am of the impression that all things rubber, including these, benefit from a periodic LIGHT spray of silicone followed by wiping off any excess. Helps reduce drying out over time. no?

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Are there 4 "washers" per side or are there 2"washers" and 2 other things per side? Photo of "spring mount" looks like 2 washers and 2 retainer things.

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Are there threads on how to change these cushions? Have to jack spring up and place a jack stand to hold it while doing job?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Are there 4 "washers" per side or are there 2"washers" and 2 other things per side? Photo of "spring mount" looks like 2 washers and 2 retainer things.

William------

There are 4 RETAINERS per side. However, only 2 of the retainers are flat, washer-like pieces with a beveled edge on on side. Of the other two cup-like retainers, one is attached to the trailing arm and the other attached to the spring end.

The procedure for changing the cushions is found in the factory service manual as part of the section on spring removal and installation. You do have to jack up the spring end to remove the bolts and, subsequently, remove and replace the cushions. For safety reasons, follow the procedure described in the service manual.

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Just searched archives and found lots of info on changing cushions. Like Duke's technique of changing with wheels on and car on ground. Don't get part about a c clamp around spring to keep jack from sliding. Suppose c clamp keeps spring leaves from moving and pushing down on jack once spring is raised? any need to use new bolts as some have suggested? Think I also see answer to question of how many "cup washers " per side- 2 washers and 2 pressed in retainers per side.

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Just searched archives and found lots of info on changing cushions. Like Duke's technique of changing with wheels on and car on ground. Don't get part about a c clamp around spring to keep jack from sliding. Suppose c clamp keeps spring leaves from moving and pushing down on jack once spring is raised? any need to use new bolts as some have suggested? Think I also see answer to question of how many "cup washers " per side- 2 washers and 2 pressed in retainers per side.

William-------


GM advises in the factory service manual that the spring end bolts should be replaced whenever they are removed from the car. Is it actually essential? I don't know but I sure would not want one of these to fail while I was driving the car. These bolts are an unusual material grade-----GM-290M. I consider that there must be some property of this material grade which GM considered important for these bolts as virtually all other chassis bolts are GM-280M (SAE grade 5) or GM-300M (SAE grade 8). Something related to that material grade MAY be why GM specifies that they should be replaced whenever removed from the car.

In addition, it's very rare for GM to specifically state that any particular fastener should be replaced whenever it is removed. So, when they do specify it, I've got to take it quite seriously.

[Leif A.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Just searched archives and found lots of info on changing cushions. Like Duke's technique of changing with wheels on and car on ground. Don't get part about a c clamp around spring to keep jack from sliding. Suppose c clamp keeps spring leaves from moving and pushing down on jack once spring is raised? any need to use new bolts as some have suggested? Think I also see answer to question of how many "cup washers " per side- 2 washers and 2 pressed in retainers per side.

William,
This is how I do it, as well. If your bolts are not rusted, you can certainly reuse them. Place the jack as closely as you can to the end of the spring without interfering with the bolt. I have a rubber pad on my jack which tends to "grab" the spring. Jack the spring up SLOWLY just until the lower washer clears the lower nut...you don't need to go any higher. Remove the cotter pin, remove the lower nut, pull the bolt out through the top of the trailing arm, replace rubber bushings and washers (rounded side of washer against the rubber bushing), snug bolt until it bottoms out and re-insert a new cotter pin. Slowly release the jack and move to the other side. Taking your time, this is about a 30 minute job.

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

What's wrong with the orientation of the slotted nuts in the photo? How should they be oriented?

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Joe,
CSM says to wrap a chain around cross member and spring to hold it once you jack up the spring. Does anybody do this? Don't see this mentioned in techniques by members of this forum.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

In addition, it's very rare for GM to specifically state that any particular fastener should be replaced whenever it is removed. So, when they do specify it, I've got to take it quite seriously.

You haven’t worked on an LS engine then, have you?

It’s rare that you CAN reuse a fastener on those engines.