check oil CHEVROLET CAMARO 1967 1.G Chassis Owner's Manual

CORVETTE BODY 1B-21

Fig.
45—
Locking Regulator Arm in Place

REAR WINDOW-ADHESIVE CAULKED-

19437 MODEL

For parts identification refer to Figure 55.

1.
Remove the 2 rear window garnish moldings by re-

moving the 14 attaching screws.

2.
Pry molding caps from reveal moldings.

3.
Carefully remove lower, side, and top reveal mold-

ings after marking their position on body with tape.

4.
Secure one end of steel music wire to piece of wood

for handle. Insert other end through caulking mater-

ial at lower corner of rear window; then secure end

of wire to another piece of wood (fig. 56).

5. With the aid of helper, carefully cut through caulking

material (using a sawing motion) with the steel wire;

up side of window, across top, down opposite side,

and across bottom of window.

6. Remove old glass from window opening.

7. Using a sharp scraper or wood chisel, remove ad-

hesive caulking material from body pinchweld flange.

NOTE:
It is not necessary to clean off all the

old caulking material completely from body

opening; however, there should not be any loose

pieces of caulking material left in the opening.

8. Check all reveal molding retaining clips for damage

(24 required). Replace those that are bent or dis-

torted with clips provided in kit.

9. Using weatherstrip adhesive, cement rubber spacers

at bottom, sides, and top of window opening. The

step-type spacers are used at bottom and sides, the

flat type are used at the top, sides, and bottom of

window opening as shown on Figure 55.

10.
Using suction cup holders, position replacement

glass in body opening. Carefully check relationship

of glass to body pinchweld completely around open-

ing. The overlap of glass to body pinchweld and re-

taining flanges should be equal with a minimum over-
lap of 3/16M. Where necessary, position shims under

the lower spacers to obtain required overlap of glass

to body upper and lower flanges.

11.
After proper glass to pinchweld relationship has

been attained, mark position with grease pencil on

glass and body as shown in Figure 57.

12.
Remove glass from body opening and place on pro-

tected surface.

13.
Clean inside edge surface of glass so that glass is

free of any foreign material (oil, grease, etc.).

Using 3/4" masking tape, place tape approximately

1/2 inch from edge of inside surface of glass com-

pletely around glass. Then apply a film of silane

primer to inside edge surface completely around

glass,
also apply silane primer to sealing surface

of pinchweld as shown in Figure 58.

Fig.
46—Door Lock and Remote Controls

1.
Door Lock Remote Control

Assembly

2.
Door Lock Remote Control Knob

3. Door Lock Remote Control Rod
4.
Remote Control Locking Rod

5. Remote Locking Control

Assembly

6. Lock Assembly

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-28

Fig. 63—Spare Tire Mount

1.
Cover

2.
Strap Assembly

3. Strap Assembly

Pivot Bolt
Swivel Bolt Nut

Swivel Lock Bolt

Swivel Bolt

Bracket
7. Swivel Bolt Pin

8. Tray

9. Lock Case

10.
Lock Cover

1.
Panel Roof Trim

2.
Panel Retaining

Screw

3. Washer

4.
Chart Molding

5. Screw - Rear

Quarter Trim

Panel Retaining
Fig.
64—Rear Body Trim

6.
"J"
Nut - Rear

Quarter Trim

Panel Retaining

7. Panel Assembly - Rear

Quarter Trim

8. Cover - Rear Lower

9. Cement - 3M-1711

or Equivalent
plastic body panels. The general area around the welding

operation should be protected with wet asbestos or any

other like method (several thicknesses of aluminum foil

makes an excellent heat shield if out of the way of direct

flame).

Straightening of steel parts while still in body must be

done with care. When applying hydraulic jacks or like

equipment which operates by exerting force, bear in

mind that the part being used to brace the stationary end

of tool must be able to withstand such usage and that

fiber glass parts, though tougher than steel, will not yield

or "take a set" as with steel parts, so naturally they

cannot be "straightened". If poor alignment exists due

to collision or other physical damage, check steel re-

inforcements in cowl, roof and sill areas (fig. 69) with

care.

Tracing line of damaging force and checking body

carefully for broken bonds and cracks before, during

and after repairs will pay off repeatedly.

Small cracks and faults in bonds and panels will usually

grow larger if left unattended.

REPAIR PANELS

Body repair panels are illustrated in Figures 66

through 70. Those shown are typical of panels which are

available through Chevrolet parts sources. Procedures

which may be used for installing panels are explained in

the following pages.

Figure 71 illustrates various bonds which will be en-

countered during repair procedures. The legend for

Figure 71 cites typical applications for bonds shown.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-52

and pull weatherstrip and trim from rear bow.

Section A-A shows installed position of these com-

ponents. Refer also to figure 105.

installation

1.
Find and mark center of header, #3 bow, rear bow

and leading and trailing edges of top trim. Align

these marks during installation and recheck their

alignment from time to time while installation is in

progress, especially during tacking or stapling.

2.
Assemble top trim and weatherstrip to rear bow,

referring to Section A-A and Figure 105. Note that

filler strip locks this assembly together and goes

in last. Align center marks.

3.
If new pads are required, install at this time, align-

ing with marks made when old pads were removed.

Figure 106 shows pad construction; Figure 107 shows

pad installed.

4.
Install top trim-rear bow assembly on top frame

with four screws removed at disassembly.

5.
Lock down rear bow in desired "top up" position.

Pull up stay straps and staple or tack to #3 bow

(fig. 108).

6. Pull leading edge of trim iip to header and align

center marks. Smooth out fabric and clamp, tack

or staple temporarily to header.

7.
Draw window extension up to #3 bow, aligning cen-

tering marks. Turn an ample amount of fabric under

and tack to #3 bow. Apply neoprene trim cement,

GM Part #3695016 or equivalent, to area shown in

View D of Figure 102. Follow directions on package.

8. Draw roof portion of trim over #3 bow, align marks

and tack on staple.

9. Trim off excess material and install wire-on binding

as shown in Figure 109 and View D of Figure 102.

Install binding caps.

10.
Remove temporary clamps or fastenings holding trim

to header.

11.
With header locked down, pull trim assembly up tight

and mark for final installation.

12.
Apply trim cement to header and rear side rail.

13.
Release header from windshield. Tack or staple trim

to header (fig. 103).

14.
Apply trim to rear side frame, previously cemented.

15.
Install weatherstrips which were removed at dis-

assembly and install retaining screws in header

weatherstrip.

16.
Make any adjustments necessary, following instruc-

tions listed under Folding Top—Adjustments.

FRAME AND LINKAGE

Figure 110 illustrates construction features of the

folding top frame and linkage. Various cross sections in

Figure 110 show the pivoting joints and their assembly.

If an operation is being performed which requires

removal of folding top trim, follow directions in this

section. The entire frame assembly may be removed and

replaced as a unit. Follow instructions for Folding Top

Trim and Rear Window Assembly and Top Assembly—

Removal and Installation.

The pivoting joints should be lubricated with light

machine oil once a year. Apply oil sparingly so as not

to stain top trim.
WEATHERSTRIP

Side Rail Weatherstrip

Figure 111 illustrates installation of side rail weather-

strip which acts to seal window opening. The weather-

strip is held in place by studs which are part of the

weatherstrip assembly, and by neoprene base cement

which is applied between weatherstrip and side rail

surface.

When replacing weatherstrip remove all rust, old

cement and foreign material from the surfaces to be

cemented, to assure successful bonding. Use only good

quality neoprene cement suitable for weatherstrip

application.

Header Weatherstrip

Weatherstrip assembly is retained to the header panel

by a combination of studs, sheet metal screws and special

fasteners as shown in Figure 112, along with neoprene

base weatherstrip cement.

Figure 99 shows' a cross section of weatherstrip taken

through a special fastener. To replace fastener, rotate

ninety degrees to align fastener head with slot. Follow

directions for cementing in the Side Rail Weatherstrip

instructions preceding this write up.

ADDING HARDTOP (ROOF PANEL ASSEMBLY)

An available roof panel assembly (hardtop) complete

can be added to convertible model Corvettes. The hard-

ware is included with the panel assembly.

Reworking of a plastic part (one for each side of the

roof panel) can be used as a marker for drilling of two

required holes in the folding top compartment lid* Hard-

ware is attached at four locations — two on the lid and

two (one each side) at the lock pillar area as follows:

1.
Rework two plastic retainers (#6280765) (used on

Chevrolet and Corvair door inner panels for trim

retention) as shown by Figure 113.

2.
Slide the reworked plastic retainers into the bolt re-

tainer slots on each side of the hardtop rear bow

(position plastic tip inboard).

3.
Mark the hardtop reveal molding at the approximate

location of the two plastic retainers,

4.
Mark the tips of the two plastic retainers with a

china marker pencil.

5.
Close the soft top compartment lid.

6. With aid of an ^assistant, position front of hardtop

onto header and lower onto vehicle. Do not fasten

latches at windshield header.

7.
Apply hand pressure at reveal molding marks.

8. Mark roof panel attachment hole location at each

lock pillar area (fig. 114).

9. With aid of an assistant, lift roof panel straight up

off body and set roof panel aside.

10.
Mark the drill position at the four china marks with

a center punch.

11.
Place a 2" x 4" board under the top compartment lid

to prevent drill damage to folding top material. Make

certain the compartment lid is securely locked

before drilling.

12.
Drill 1/8" pilot hole at the 4 marked locations.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-6

Fig.
8 - Caster and Camber Adjustments - Chevy

To adjust for caster and camber, loosen the upper sup-

port shaft to crossmember nuts, add or subtract shims as

required and retighten nuts.

NOTE:
Caster and camber can be adjusted in

one operation.

Caster and camber specifications will be found in the

last section of this book.

Chevrolet and Chevy II

The caster angle is adjusted by turning the two niits at

the front of the lower control arm strut rod (figs. 7 and

8).
Shortening this rod will increase caster. Lengthen-

ing will decrease caster.

Camber angle is adjusted by loosening the lower con-

trol arm pivot bolt and rotating the cam located on this

pivot. This eccentric cam action will move lower control

arm in or out, thereby varying camber.

Steering Axis Inclination Adjustment

"Camber" is the outward tilt of the wheel and "steering

axis inclination" is the inward tilt of the knuckle. Cam-

ber cannot be changed without changing steering axis

inclination. Correct specifications willbe found at the

end of this section. If, with the camber correctly ad-

justed, the steering axis inclination does not fall within

the specified limits the knuckle is bent and should be

replaced.

If a new knuckle is installed, caster, camber and toe-in

must be readjusted.

Toe-In Adjustment

Toe-in, the inward pointing of both front wheels, is

checked with the wheels in the straight ahead position. It

is the difference of the distance measured between the

extreme front and the distance measured between the ex-

treme rear of both front wheels. Correct toe-in specifi-

cations will be found at the end of this section.
NOTE:
Toe-in must be adjusted after caster

and camber adjustment.

A. If the equipment being used measures the toe-in of

each wheel individually:

1.
Set the steering gear on the high point, mark 12

o'clock position on the steering shaft and position

the steering wheel for straight ahead driving.

2.
Loosen the clamp bolt at each end of each tie rod

and adjust to the total toe-in as given in the speci-

fications at the end of this book.

B.
If a tram gauge is being used, proceed as follows:

1.
Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.

2.
Loosen the clamp bolts on one tie rod and adjust

for the proper toe-in as given in the specifications

at the end of this book.

3.
Loosen the clamp bolts on the other tie rod. Turn

both rods the same amount and in the same direc-

tion to place the steering gear on its high point and

position the steering wheel in its straight ahead

position.

C.
After the adjustment has been made:

1.
a. Chevrolet—Position inner tie rod clamp bosses

forward to 90° down to avoid stabilizer link bolt

interference.

b.
Chevelle—Position the tie rod clamp bosses

down to 45?° forward to avoid interference.

c. Chevy II--Position the outer tie rod clamp

bosses forward and not more than 45° up or

down from horizontal to avoid interference.

Inner clamps forward and vertical.

d. Corvette--Position inner tie rod clamps with

bolt horizontal and down. Position outer clamps

with bolt vertical and to the rear.

e. Camaro—Position inner tie rod clamps with

open end of clamp and slot in line. Position

relative to ground unimportant. Position outer

clamps with bolt top and 30° either side of ver-

tical. Position relative to slot unimportant.

RIDING HEIGHT AND COIL SPRING SAG

The following check will quickly determine whether or

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-9

Inspection

1.
Check bearings for cracked separators or worn or

pitted rollers and races.

2.
Check brake drum for
out-of-
round or scoring.

3.
Check fit of bearing outer cups in hub.

Repairs

Replacement of Bearing Cups

1.
Using steel bar stock, make press-out tools shown in

Figure 11.

2.
Insert removers through hub, indexing ends into slots

in hub shoulder behind bearing cup.

3.
Using a suitable extension pipe or rod, press bearing

cups from hub.

4.
Install new bearing cup in hub using Tool J-8849 on

the outer and Tool J-8850 on the inner cup (fig. 12).

Use Driver Handle J-8092 with the installers. Make

sure that the bearing cups are not cocked and are

fully seated against shoulder in hub.

Installation

1.
Pack both inner and. outer bearings using a high

melting point wheel bearing lubricant.

2.
Place inner bearing in hub, then install a new inner

bearing lip seal assembly. Seal flange should face

bearing cup.

3.
Carefully install wheel hub over steering spindle.

4.
Install outer bearing, pressing it firmly into the hub

by hand.

5.
Install spindle washer and adjusting nut. Draw up

tight and adjust wheel bearings as outlined under

"Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment".

STEERING KNUCKLE

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette—It is rec-
ommended that vehicle be raised and supported on a

twin-post hoist so that the front coil spring remains com-

pressed, yet the wheel and steering knuckle assembly re-

main accessible. If a frame hoist is used, support lower

control arm with an adjustable jackstand to safely retain

spring in its curb height position.

Chevy n— While vehicle weight is still on front wheels,

position support between upper control arm and frame

side rail (fig. 13), then raise vehicle and position adjust-

able jackstand under lower control arm.

Removal

1.
Raise vehicle and support lower control arm as noted

above.

2.
Remove hub cap, wheel hub dust cover, cotter pin,

adjusting nut and washer. Withdraw wheel and tire,

brake drum, (or, on Corvette--brake caliper and disc

and hub assembly, See Section 5) and wheel hub and

bearing assembly from steering knuckle spindle.

3.
Remove brake shoes from backing plate (except

Corvette, See Section 5) and clamp wheel cylinder.

CAUTION: Keep brake shoes clean and dry.

4.
Remove brake anchor pin and two bolts securing

brake backing plate and steering arm to steering

knuckle.

5.
Withdraw steering arm and brake backing plate from

steering knuckle. Wire backing plate to frame (fig.

13).
Do not disconnect brake line.

NOTE: Refer to Section 9 - Steering Linkage -

Tie Rod, for further steering arm service

operations.

6. Remove upper and lower ball stud cotter pins and re-

move ball stud nuts. Free steering knuckle from

ball studs by rapping steering knuckle bosses. With-

draw steering knuckle.

Installation

1.
Place steering knuckle in position and insert upper

and lower ball studs into knuckle bosses.

2.
Install ball stud nuts and tighten nut as shown in the

specifications at the end of this section.

Fig.
12 - Installing Front Hub Inner Bearing
Fig.
13 - Backing Plate Removed - Chevy II

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-12

2.
Remove forward nut, retainer and rubber bushing

from front end of strut rod.

3.
Remove two nuts from strut rod to lower control arm

bolts and remove bolts and washers.

4.
Withdraw strut rod from bracket.

5. Remove remaining rubber bushing, retainer, sleeve

and nut from strut rod.

6. Inspect rubber bushings for aging and replace if

necessary. *•

Installation

1.
Screw rear nu$ on forward end of rod and position it

approximately 3/4" from end of threads. Install

rear retainer, sleeve and bushing on rod so raised

pilot diameter faces forward.

2.
Insert strut rod in bracket so pilot diameter on bush-

ing pilots in hole in bracket. Install forward bushing

on sleeve so raised pilot diameter faces rear to

enter hole in bracket, then install forward retainer

and nut on rod.

3.
Attach strut rod to top of lower control arm with two

bolts,
washers and nuts.

4.
Lower vehicle to floor, check caster and camber

angles and adjust where necessary. Torque nuts as

shown in Specifications.

FRONT SPRING

Chevrolet

Removal

1.
With an open end wrench hold the shock absorber

upper stem from turning, and then remove the upper

stem retaining nut, retainer and rubber grommet.
I IVi" rVi"i

\>. j ii

>
I

5'4

s

WOOD
BLOCK
USED

WITH
CHEVROLET
ONLY

Fig.
19
- Spring Removal Tools - Chevrolet, Chevelle and Comoro

2.
With the car supported by the frame so that the con-

trol arms hang free, remove the wheel and tire as-

sembly (replace one wheel nut to retain the brake

drum),
shock absorber, stabilizer bar to lower con-

trol arm link, strut rod to lower control arm attach-

ing, nuts, bolts and lock washers and tie rod end.

3.
Scribe the position of the inner pivot camber adjust-

ing cam bolt and then remove the nut, lock washer

and outer cam.

4.
Install a steel bar (fabricated as shown in Figure 19)

through the shock abosrber mounting hole in the

lower control arm so that the notch seats over the

bottom spring coil and the bar extends inboard and

under the inner bushing. Fit a 5" wood block (See

Figure 19) between the bar and the bushing as shown

in Figure 20.

5.
With suitable jack or hoist, lift up slightly on the end

of the bar to remove the tension from the inner pivot

cam bolt, which can then be removed.

Fig.
18-Strut Rod

Pig. 20 - Front Spring Removal - Chevrolet

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION ,3-13

6. Carefully lower the inner end of the control arm.

Tension on the spring will be removed before the

spring can be removed from the vehicle.

7.
Remove the spring.

Installation

1.
With the suspension set up as in Step 2 of the disas-

sembly procedure, insert a block of wood between the

upper control arm and the spring tower to keep the

arm up out of the way.

2.
Set the spring in place on the crossmember after

checking on proper positioning necessary.

3.
Install the steel bar and wood block as shown in Fig-

ure 20 and lift the control arm up until the inner

pivot cam bolt can be installed. ,

4.
Install the outer cam and loosely install the lock

washer and nut

5.
Set the cam bolt on the mark scribed during the re-

moval procedure and hold in this position while tight-

ening the nut (See specifications at the end of this

book).

6. Replace the strut rod to lower control arm nuts,

bolts and lock washers, the stabilizer bar link, the

shock absorber, the tie rod end, and the wheel and

tire.

7.
Lower vehicle to floor and install the shock absorber

upper stem retaining nut retainer and grommet.

8. Check the camber adjustment.

Chevelle and Camaro

Removal

1.
With an open end wrench hold the shock absorber up-

per stem from turning, and then, remove the upper

stem retaining nut, retainer and rubber grommet.

2.
With the car supported by the frame so that the con-

trol arms hang free, remove the wheel and tire as-

sembly (replace one wheel nut to retain the brake

drum),
shock absorber, and stabilizer bar to lower

control arm link.
4.

5.
Fig.
21 - Front Spring Removal - Chevelle & Camaro

Place a steel bar (fabricated as shown in Figure 19)

through the shock absorber mounting hole in the

lower control arm so that the notch seats over the

bottom spring coil and the bar extends outboard be-

yond the end of the control arm and slightly toward

the front of the car.

With a suitable jack or hoist lift up slightly on the

end of the bar.

Remove the lower ball stud cotter pin and attaching

nut and remove the ball stud from the knuckle.

ALTERNATE METHOD

Fig.
22 - Removing or Installing Front Coil Spring - Corvette (Typical)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-16

available the following procedure may also be

used (fig. 22-Alternate Method).

1.
Support car on suitable hoist or jack (so control

arms may swing free) and remove the wheel and

tire assembly, shock absorber, and stabilizer link

at control arm.

2.
Place suitable jack stand under the lower control

arm cross shaft.

3.
Follow Steps 2-5 as outlined on previous page.

4.
Turn head of tool screw to partially compress

spring.

5. Remove the three control arm cross shaft attaching

bolts,
washers and nuts.

6. Carefully lower jack stand and if necessary increase

compression on spring and when coil spring is out of

its upper seat, relax tension on spring (fig. 22).

7. By using a pry bar to assist, if necessary, remove

the coil spring from the lower control arm.

8. Installation is the reverse of the above procedure.

Carefully follow instructions for installing spring

tool.

LOWER CONTROL ARM SPHERICAL JOINT

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Comoro and Corvette

Inspection

The lower control arm spherical joint should be re-

placed whenever wear is indicated in the upper joint

inspection.

NOTE: The lower control arm spherical joint

is a loose fit in the assembly when not connected

to the steering knuckle.

Only if inspection of each upper joint indicates them

both to be within limits, inspect each lower joint for ex-

cessive wear as follows:

1.
After reconnecting upper joints to steering knuckles,

support vehicle weight on wheels or wheel hubs.

2.
With outside micrometer or caliper, measure dis-

tance from top of lubrication fitting to bottom of ball

stud, and record the dimensions for each side.

3.
Then support vehicle weight at outer end of each

lower control arm, so that wheels or wheel hubs are

free,
then repeat Step 2.

4.
If the difference in dimensions on either side is

greater than 1/16" (.0625"), the joint is excessively

worn and both lower joints should be replaced.

If inspection of lower spherical joints does not indicate

excessive wear, inspect further as follows:

5.
On Chevrolet Only--Examine lubrication hole in each

joint assembly after cleaning out hole. Look for evi-

dence of the liner partially or fully blocking lubrica-

tion opening. Such evidence indicates that liner is

disintegrating and that both lower spherical joints

should be replaced.

Another indication of lower spherical joint excessive

wear is indicated when difficulty is experienced when

lubricating the joint. If the liner has worn to the point

where the lubrication grooves in the liner have worn

away, then abnormal pressure is required to force lubri-

cant through the joint. This is another reason to recom-

mend replacement of both lower joints.

If the above inspections do not indicate any reason for

spherical joint replacements, test the torque tightness of
Fig. 27 - Removing Lower Ball Joint - Chevelle
&
Camaro

the lower ball stud in the knuckle on each side as follows:

1.
Wire-brush off nut and cotter pin attaching spherical

joint ball stud to steering knuckle and examine for

evidence of looseness of stud in knuckle.

2.
If no evidence of looseness, remove cotter pin and

with prick punch or equivalent, mark nut stud and

knuckle to identify relative location.

3.
Tighten nut as installed and observe torque reading.

If less than 45 lbs. ft., stud may have been loose in

steering knuckle and replacement of both lower

spherical joints may be recommended.

4.
Check to see if torque of 60-94 lbs. ft. can be ob-

tained without bottoming stud or ball joint against

knuckle. If bottoming occurs, replace ball joint or

steering knuckle.

Chevrolet and Corvette

Removal

1.
Support lower control arm at outer end on floor jack,

with hoist or jack pad clear of lower ball stud nut.

2.
Remove upper and lower ball stud nuts, free ball

studs from steering knuckle and wire knuckle and

brake drum assembly up to fender skirt to preclude

interference while performing next step.

3.
Being careful not to enlarge the holes in control arm,

cut off rivets.

Installation

1.
Install new joint against underside of control arm and

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

SECTION
4

REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE

CONTENTS
OF
THIS SECTION

Page

Rear Suspension
4-1

Drive Line.
. 4-26

Rear Axle ......
4-26
Propeller Shaft
and
Universal Joints

Special Tools
4-37

4-43

REAR SUSPENSION

INDEX

General Description
4-1

Chevrolet
4-1

Chevelle
4-1

Chevy
n and
Camaro
. . . . . 4-2

Corvette
. . . . . . 4-3

Maintenance
and
Adjustments ...............
4-4

Riding Height Check (Chevrolet, Camaro,

Chevelle
and
Chevy
II) 4-5

Wheel Alignment (Corvette)
4-5

Wheel Bearing Adjustment (Corvette)
4-6

Component Parts Replacement (Chevrolet, Camaro,

Chevelle
and
Chevy
JJ) 4-7

Coil Spring
4-7

Chevrolet
4-7

Removal
4-7

Installation
4-7

Chevelle
4-8

Removal
4-8

4-8

Installation
.

Leaf Spring, Spring Seat Pads, Spring
Eye

Bushings
4-9

Chevy
H 4-9

Removal
4-9

Installation
4-9

Camaro
4-10

Removal
4-10

Installation
4-11

Shock Absorber
4-11

Chevrolet
and
Chevelle
. 4-11

Removal
4-11

Installation
. . 4-12

Chevy
II 4-12

Removal
4-12

Installation
4-rl2

Camaro
4-12

Removal
. 4-12

Installation
4-12

Control
Arm . . 4-12

Chevrolet Upper
4-12

Removal
. 4-12
Page

Bushing Replacement
. 4-13

Installation
4-14

Chevrolet Lower
4-14

Removal
4-14

Bushing Replacement
4-14

Installation
. 4-15

Chevelle Upper
and
Lower.
. 4-15

Removal
4-15

Bushing Replacement
4-15

Installation
4-17

Rear Suspension
Tie Rod
(Chevrolet)
. . .
......
. . . 4-17

Removal
4-17

Bushing Replacement
4-17

Installation
4-17

Component Parts Replacement (Corvette)
. . 4-17

Wheel Spindle
and
Support
4-17

Removal
4-17

Repairs
', . 4-17

Installation
4-18

Differential Carrier Support Bracket Replacement.
. 4-20

Shock Absorber
4-20

Removal
4-20

Installation
* .... 4-20

Strut
Rod and
Bracket
4-20

Removal
4-20

Repairs
4-21

Installation
4-21

Spring
4-21

Removal
4-21

Repairs
4-22

Installation
4-22

Torque Control
Arm 4-23

Removal
4-23

Repairs
. 4-23

Installation
4-24

Suspension Crossmember
4-24

Removal
4-24

Repairs—Isolation Mount
4-25

Installation
4-25

Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
4-25

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CHEVROLET

The link type rear suspension (fig. 1) has two lower

control arms which maintain proper axle to frame re-

lationship and also take the acceleration, drive and

braking forces. A single upper control arm on light-

duty models (or two upper control arms on heavy-duty

models and all station wagons) limits axle rotation when

drive, acceleration or braking forces are applied. Lateral

movement of the axle is restricted by the axle-to-frame

tie rod. Two full coil springs and two direct, double
acting shock absorbers are provided for additional ride

control.

CHEVELLE

The rear suspension (fig. 2) is of the four-link design

utilizing axle mounted, full coil springs and direct,

double-acting shock absorbers.

Two rubber-bushed lower control arms, stretching

slightly outboard from axle-mounted brackets to frame

side member mounted brackets, maintain fore and aft

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-8

Fig.
14—Coil Spring Installation (Chevrolet)

supported on the jack. With the spring now com-

pressed to approximately curb height, positively

position the springs in the lower seats by torquing

the nut on the lower seat bolt (fig. 15).

Re-connect shock absorbers, torque rear attach-

ment of upper and lower control arms, and re-

connect the axle tie rod at proper torque.

With the rear of vehicle still supported by jack under

axle;
remove the nut from the lower seat bolt of one

Fig.
15—Installing Coil Spring to Lower Control Arm (Chevrolet)
Fig.
16—Coil Spring Installation (Chevelle)

rear spring, slide proper lock washer on the bolt

and reinstall the nut to proper torque. Similarly

install a lock washer at the lower seat of the other

rear spring.

5.
Install rear wheels and lower vehicle to floor.

Chevelle

Removal

The following procedure may be utilized to replace

either or both rear coil springs.

1.
Raise vehicle to a height that will allow axle assem-

bly to hang freely, and position supports under both

frame side rails.

2.
Support axle assembly with an adjustable lifting

device, and disconnect shock absorber at axle

bracket. Shock absorber on side opposite need not

be disconnected if only one spring is being removed.

Refer to Shock Absorber Removal procedures out-

lined in this section.

3.
Lower axle assembly until suspension reaches end

of travel; then pry lower% pigtail over vertical re-

tainer on axle bracket and remove spring and insula-

tor from vehicle.

Installation

1.
Position rubber insulator on end of spring, making

sure that end of pigtail is butted against stop in

insulator. Install insulator and spring in upper

spring seat so that insulator is properly indexed

against stop (fig. 16).

2.
Pry lower pigtail portion of spring over vertical

flange of the axle bracket spring seat.

3.
Raise axle to allow shock absorber installation.

Position shock absorber in axle bracket. Torque nut

as outlined in Shock Absorber Installation

procedures.

4.
Lower vehicle and check rear riding height.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL