CHEVROLET CAMARO 1967 1.G Chassis Workshop Manual

SECTION 2

FRAME

INDEX

Page

General Description 2-1

Chevrolet 2-1

Cheveile '. 2-1

Repair Procedures 2-1
Page

Checking Frame Alignment 2-1

Car Preparation 2-1

Tramming Sequence 2-1

Reference Point Dimensions 2-1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CHEVROLET AND CHEVELLE

Frames used on Chevrolet and Cheveile lines are basi-

cally the same, consisting of full length right and left

side members joined laterally by crossmembers. Sev-

eral different frames are used in each line to meet the

various vehicle size and function requirements but the

basic shape for each line remains the same. Differences

between frames in a given line exist only in metal gauge,

part size and numbers of parts necessary to meet the

particular structural requirements of the models

involved.

CORVETTE

The Corvette frame is a rigid perimeter unit, with five
crossmembers. From the rear kick-up forward, trap-

azoidal shaped, closed side members outline and protect

the passenger compartment. At the cowl area, the side

members curve inward in a sweeping "S" shape, to pro-

vide a sturdy foundation for the engine mounts and clear-

ance for front wheel movement. From the kick-up

rearward, box-sectioned side rails provide fore and aft

support for the rear axle and suspension. Lateral sup-

port is provided by five variously shaped welded-in

crossmembers, including the front unit, which formerly

was bolted-in.

CHEVY II AND CAMARO

Underbody alignment checking procedures will be found

in the Body Service Manual.

REPAIR PROCEDURES

CHECKING FRAME ALIGNMENT

Vehicles involved in an accident of any nature which

might result in a "swayed" or "sprung" frame should

always be checked for proper frame alingment in addi-

tion to steering geometry and wheel alignment.

CAR PREPARATION

Preparing the car for the frame alignment check in-

volves the following:

1.
Place the car on level surface.

2.
The weight of the car should be supported at the

wheel locations.

3.
A visual damage inspection should be made to elim-

inate needless measuring. Obviously damaged or

misaligned areas can often be located by sight.

TRAMMING SEQUENCE

When checking a frame for alignment in case of dam-

age,
the first step is horizontal "X" checking with a

tram from similar given points on opposite side of the

frame.

Frame alignment checks on all models should be made

with the tram points set at the center of each locating

point indicated and the cross bar level to insure

accuracy.

When "X" checking any section of the frame, the

measurements should agree within 3/16". If they do not,
it means that corrections will have to be made.

If a tram gauge is not available, the "plumb bob"

method of checking may be used. To assure any degree

of accuracy when using this method, the vehicle should

be on a level floor.

By using this method, it is only necessary to have a
#

piece of cord attached to an ordinary surveyor's plumb

bob.
When measuring the distance between two points,

the free end of the cord should be placed on the reference

point allowing the plumb bob to hang on the floor. A check

mark should be made on the floor just under the tip of

the plumb bob. This operation should be repeated at all

reference points. With these points located on the floor,

they may easily be measured with a rule.

The second step is checking the vertical dimensions

from the datum plane to the points to be trammed. With

the proper settings the tram bar will be on a plane

parallel to that of the frame. The exception to this would '

be when one of the reference locations is included in the

misaligned area; then the parallel plane between the

frame and the tram bar may not prevail. After com-

pletion of the repairs, the tram gauge should be set at

the specified dimension to check the accuracy of the re-

pair operation.

ALIGNMENT REFERENCE POINT DIMENSIONS

Dimensions to holes are measured to dead center of

the holes and flush to the adjacent surface metal.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

To"

34%"

14%"
21
28%"
" CONVERTIBLE

21
2914"

28%"

30y8" CONVERTIBLE

TOP VIEW
29V8"

—39 y2" CONVERTIBLE —H

78%"

109Vr2"

124%"

157"

ALL DIMENSIONS TO HOLES ARE MEASURED TO THE CENTER OF THE HOLES

0 INDICATES THAT THE DIMENSION IS TO THE UNDERSIDE OF EITHER

THE FRAME TOP SURFACE OR BODY MOUNT.

141/2"

DATUM
©10%"
231/*'

23W

L
49%'

14%'

34%"
94'

Fig.
1—Frame Dimensions (Chevrolet)

35%*

14%
26VV
26V2"

24VB"

16%'

16%'

26l/s'/

-9V4"-

10'/a"
0
26V2" 24V8"

TOP
VIEW

37W

75"

95%"

148.62"
STW & PICK-UP
120"
235/8"

145.35"
SEDAN,
CPE.
&
CONV.

ALL
DIMENSIONS
TO
HOLES
ARE
MEASURED
TO THE
CENTER
OF
THE
HOLES

eio%"

L_
©123/4"
19%"

195/8"
-42'/2"

33"

90"

0 INDICATES THAT
THE
DIMENSION
IS TO THE
UNDERSIDE
OF
EITHER

THE FRAME
TOP
SURFACE
OR
BODY MOUNT.

Fig.
2—Frame Dimensions (Chevelle)

I

FOR MOUNT A-B-C

18'A"

36V4"
CONV. ONLY

69%
JIC"

ALL DIMENSIONS TO HOLES ARE MEASURED TO THE CENTER

OF THE HOLES

0 INDICATES THAT THE DIMENSION IS TO THE UNDERSIDE

OF THE FRAME TOP SURFACE OR BODY MOUNT

Fig.
3—Frame Dimensions (Corvette)

SECTION
3

FRONT SUSPENSION

INDEX

Page

General Description
. . . . 3-1

Maintenance and Adjustments
3-3

Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment
3-3

Front End Alignment
3-5 .

Alignment Preliminary Steps ............
3-5

Caster
and
Camber Adjustments
. . 3-5

Chevelle, Caxnaro
and
Corvette
3-5

Chevrolet and Chevy
II 3-6

Steering Axis Inclination
3-6

Toe-in Adjustment
3-6

Cornering Wheel Relationship
3-6

Riding Heigit
and
Coil Spring Sag
3-7

Repair Procedures
3-8

Front Brake Drum (Chevrolet, Camaro, Chevelle,

Chevy E)
. . 3-8

Removal
3-8

Installation
3-8

Front Wheel Hub
3-8

Replacement
. . . . . 3-8

Replacement
of
Hub Wheel Bolts
3-8

Front Wheel Bearings
. . 3-8

Removal
3-8

Inspection
3-9

Repairs
. . 3-9

Replacement
of
Bearing Cups
3-9

Installation
3-9

Steering Knuckle
. . . 3-9

Removal
3-9

Installation
3-9

Shock Absorber
3-10

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro
and

Corvette
3-10

Removal
, . 3-10

Installation
3-10

Chevy
It 3-11

Removal
3-11

Installation
3-11

Stabilizer
Bar 3-11

Removal
3-11

Installation
3-11

Strut Rod
3-11

Chevrolet and Chevy
II 3-11

Removal
3-11

Installation
3-12

Front Coil Springs
3-12

Chevrolet
3-12

Removal
3-12

Installation
3-13

Chevelle
and
Camaro
3-13

Removal
3-13

Installation
3-14

Chevy H
3-14

Removal
3-14

Spring Seat Disassembly and Assembly
3-15

Installation
3-15

Corvette
3-15

Lower Control Arm Spherical Joint
.' 3-16

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and

Corvette
3-16

Inspection
. 3-16

Chevrolet and Corvette
3-16

Removal
3-16

Installation
3-16
Page

Chevelle
and
Camaro
3-17

Removal
3-17

Installation
. . . . 3-17

Chevy
II 3-17

Inspection
. 3-17

Removal
3-17

Installation
3-17

Lube Fittings
3-18

Lower Control Arm
. . . . 3-18

Chevrolet
. 3-18

Removal
3-18

Installation
3-18

Chevelle and Camaro
3-18

Removal
3-18

Installation
3-18

Chevy H
3-18

Removal
3-18

Installation
3-19

Corvette
3-19

Removal
3-19

mstallation
3-19

Lower Control Arm Bushings
3-20

Chevrolet
3-20

Removal
3-20

Installation
3-20

Chevelle and Camaro
. 3-20

Removal
3-20

Installation
3-20

Chevy H
3-21

Removal
* 3-21

InstaEation
3-21

Cross Shaft and/or Bushings
. 3-21

Corvette
3-21

Removal
3-21

Installation
3-21

Upper Control Arm Spherical Joint
3-21

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette
..... 3-21

Inspection.
3-21

Replacement
3-21

Chevy
II 3-21

Inspection
3-21

Replacement
3-21

Lube Fittings
3-22

Upper Control Arm
3-22

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro
and
Corvette
3-22

Removal
3-22

Installation
3-22

Chevy H
3-22

Removal
3-22

Installation
3-23

Upper Control Arm Cross Shaft

and/or Bushings
3-23

Chevrolet, Camaro and Chevelle
3-23

Removal
. 3-23

Installation
3-23

Chevy H
3-24

Removal
3-24

Installation
. . . 3-25

Corvette
3-25

Removal
3-25

Installation
3-25

Special Tools
3-26

Specifications
...'..'
At rear of Book

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The 1967 Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro, Chevy n and

Corvette front suspension systems are basically similar,

being of the
S.L.A.
(short-long arm) type with independent

coil springs. In the Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and

Corvette the springs ride on the lower control arms; in
the Chevy II the springs ride on the upper control arms.

Spherical joints connect the upper and lower arms to the

steering knuckle. Tapered roller wheel bearings are

used.

Camber angle is adjusted, on the Chevrolet and Chevy n

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANIM

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-2

Fig.
1 - Front Suspension - Chevrolet

Fig.
2 - Front Suspension - Chevelle & Camaro

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-3

by means of a lower control arm inner pivot cam; on the

Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette by means of upper control

arm inner support shaft shims.

Caster angle is adjusted, on the Chevrolet and Chevy n

by means of a strut rod which runs from the lower con-

trol arm forward to a frame brace; on the Chevelle,
Camaro and Corvette by means of upper control arm

inner support shaft shims.

A stabilizer bar is used on all Chevelle and Corvette

models. Chevrolet Impalas, station wagons and V-8

engine equipped models are fitted with the stabilizer bar.

UPPER CONTROL ARM

STABILIZER

SPRING
LOWER CONTROL ARM

STEERING KNUCKLE

Fig.
3 - Front Suspension - Corvette

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS

Maintenance intervals recommended for lubrication of

front suspension components have been fully covered in

Section 0 of this manual. Only actual adjustment proce-

dures will be covered here.

NOTE:
Unless otherwise indicated all proce-

dures will apply to all five vehicles covered in

this manual.

FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT

Proper front wheel bearing adjustment has a definite

bearing on the safe operation of a vehicle. Improperly

adjusted front wheel bearings will result in a lack of

steering stability causing wheel wander, shimmy and ex-

cessive tire wear. Very accurate adjustment is possible

because the spindles are drilled both vertically and hori-

zontally and the adjusting nuts are slotted in all six sides.

NOTE:
Wheel bearings should not
be.
repacked

or adjusted as a part of "New Car Conditioning".
1.
With wheel raised, remove hub cap and dust cap and

then remove the cotter pin from the end of the

spindle.

2.
While rotating wheel, tighten spindle nut to 12 lbs. ft

torque.

3.
Back off adjusting nut one flat and insert cotter pin.

If slot and pin hole do not line up, back off the adjust-

ing nut an additional 1/2 flat or less as required to

insert cotter pin.

4.
Spin the wheel to check that it rolls freely and then

lock the cotter pin by spreading the end and bending

it around.

NOTE:
Bearings should have zero preload and

.001"
to .008" end movement when properly ad-

justed on Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Cor-

vette; .000" to .004" on Chevy H.

5.
Install dust cap, hub cap or wheel disc and lower

wheel.

6. Perform the same operation on each front wheel.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-4

SHOCK ABSORBER

5PRING

UPPER

CONTROL

ARM

LOWER

CONTROL

ARM

STRUT ROD

STEERING KNUCKLE

Fig.
4 - Front Suspension - Chevy

STEERING AXIS
VERTICAL

CASTER ANGLE

CASTER
WHEEL PLANE

VERTICAL PLANE

-CAMBER ANGLE

STEERING AXIS

INCLINATION

CAMBER

Fig.
5 - Caster and Camber

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-5

FRONT END ALIGNMENT

Front end alignment, that is alignment of the inter-

related steering components of the front suspension sys-

tem, must be correctly maintained to assure ease and

stability of steering and satisfactory tire life.

Alignment Preliminary Steps

Several different types of machines are available for

checking all the factors of front end alignment. The in-

structions furnished with each particular machine should

be followed. In all cases, however, checks should be

made with the vehicle level and at curb weight.

Since steering complaints are not always the result of

improper alignment a check should be made to see if any

of the following conditions exist. Any such conditions

should be corrected before proceeding further.

1.
Steering gear loose or improperly adjusted.

2.
Steering gear housing loose at frame.

3.
Excessive wear or play in spherical joints or steer-

ing shaft coupling.

4.
Tie rod or steering connections loose.

5.
Improper front spring heights.

6. Unbalanced or underinflated tires.

7.
Improperly adjusted wheel bearings.

8. Shock absorbers not operating properly.

Wheel alignment should always be made with the vehi-

cle rolled forward taking out any slack in the same man-

ner as when the vehicle is traveling forward.

Caster and Camber Adjustment

NOTE: Before adjusting caster and camber

angles, the front bumper should be raised and

quickly released to allow car to return to its

normal height.

Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette

Caster and camber adjustments are made by means of

shims inserted between the upper control arm inner sup-

port shaft and the support bracket attached to the frame

(fig. 6). Shims may be added, subtracted or transferred

to change the readings as follows:
Fig.
6 - Caster and Camber Adjustment - Chevelle

Typical of Corvette and Camaro

Caster - change shims at either the front or rear of

the shaft.

The addition of shims at the front bolt or removal

of shims at the rear bolt will decrease positive

caster. One shim (1/3 2") will change caster (ap-

prox.) 1/4°.

Camber - change shims at both the front and rear of

the shaft.

Adding an equal number of shims at both front and

rear of the support shaft will decrease positive cam-

ber. One shim (1/32") at each location will move

camber (approx.) 1/5° (Chevelle and Camaro); 1/6°

(Corvette).

TIGHTEN TO LOCK

ADJUSTMENT

Fig.
7 - Caster and Camber Adjustment Points - Chevrolet

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