suspension CHEVROLET CAMARO 1967 1.G Chassis Owner's Guide

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-23

CHEVROLET

J-7052-2

CAMARO
& CHEVELLE

J-21482
CHEVROLET

J-7052-2

CAMARO
& CHEVELLE

J-21482

Fig.
38 - Removal and Installation of Upper Control Arm Bushings - Chevrolet and Chevelle (Chevelle shown as typical)

5.
Remove upper control arm pivot shaft stud nuts from

fender skirt and remove upper control arm.

6. Inspect upper control arm for cracks or bending and

replace if necessary.

Installation

1.
Insert upper control arm pivot shaft studs into rein-

forced fender skirt openings, install lock washers

and nuts and torque as indicated in the specifications.

Raise lower control arm and steering knuckle as-

sembly into position, insert upper ball joint stud into

steering knuckle and install ball stud nut and insert

new cotter pin.

Install spring and shock absorber as outlined earlier

in this section.

Lubricate ball joint and lower vehicle. Check caster

and camber angles and adjust where necessary.

UPPER CONTROL ARM

CROSS SHAFT AND/OR BUSHINGS

Chevrolet, Chevelle and Camaro

Removal

1.
Remove cap screws, lock washers and collars from
2.

3.

4.
both ends of cross shaft.

2.
Install a 3/8-24 cap screw in one end of cross shaft,

3.
Support control arm in an arbor press on Tool

J-5888-3 as shown in Figure 38.

NOTE: Be certain flange of bushing does not

contact support.

4.
Press out bushing, invert control arm and repeat

process on other bushing. Discard bushings.

5.
Remove cap screw from cross shaft.

NOTE: If bushing rubber is deteriorated to the

extent that the bushing sleeve cannot be pushed

out, release the press, install J-9502-3 as shown

in Figure 38 and press out the sleeve.

Installation

1.
Install arm in arbor press with Tool J-7052-2

(Chevrolet) or J-21482 (Chevelle and Camaro) in

place and press in one bushing using J-7052-5 as

shown while supported on Tool j-5888-3 as shown in

Figure 38.

2.
Install cross shaft in arm, invert in press, and press

in second bushing as above.

3.
Cross shaft should be able to be turned by hand.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-24

Fig.
39 - Removing Pivot Shaft Bushing - Chevy II

4.
Install collar, lock washer and cap screw in ends of

cross shaft. Do not tighten.

Chevy II

Removal

If a new pivot shaft is to be installed, always replace

both pivot shaft bushings.

1.
Remove nut, lock washer and metal spacer from

pivot shaft end.

2.
Stand control arm and pivot shaft assembly on

Support J-5888-3.
V
f
ff 3/a x 24

y* CAP SCREW

k

a

4f TOOL

i J-5888-3

••

Fig.
41 - Removing Upper Control Arm Cross Shaft Bushings

3.
Insert J-9513-1 over threaded end of pivot shaft.

4.
Press pivot shaft down until upper bushing diameter

is visible for approximately 5/16", then insert

J-9513-2 over journal. Release tension on pivot

shaft.

5.
Invert control arm, support on J-5888-3 and press

out bushing with J-9513-1 (fig. 39).

6. Press remaining bushing out in the same manner.

TOOL

J 7052-5

Fig.
40 - Installing Pivot Shaft Bushing - Chevy II

Fig. 42 - Installing Upper Control Arm Cross Shaft Bushing

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-25

Installation

1.
Insert new bushing in control arm and over pivot

shaft.

2.
Support arm on J-5888-3 and insert Spacer J-
8345-1.

5.
Press bushing into place with Installer J-9513-3

(fig. 40).

Invert arm and press remaining bushing in place with

J-9513-3.

Install bushing spacers, lock washers and nuts

to pivot shaft ends. Torque as indicated in

Specifications.

NOTE:
Pivot shaft bolts must be in horizontal

position (toward center line of vehicle) before

torquing nuts.

Corvette

Removal

1.
Remove cap screws, lock washers and collars from

both ends of cross shaft.
2.
Install a 3/8-24 cap screw (furnished with Tool

J- 5888) in one end of cross shaft.

3.
Support control arm in an arbor press on Tool

J-5888-3 as shown in Figure 41.

NOTE:
Be certain flange of bushing does not

contact support.

4.
Press out bushing, invert control arm and repeat

process on other bushing. Discard bushings.

5. Remove cap screw from cross shaft.

Installation

1.
Install arm in arbor press with Tool J-7052-2 in

place and press in one bushing while supported on

Tool J-5888-3 as shown in Figure 42.

2.
Install cross shaft in arm, invert in press, and press

in second bushing as above.

3.
Cross shaft should be able to be turned by hand.

4.
Install collar, lock washer and cap screw in ends of

cross shaft. Do not tighten.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-26

SPECIAL TOOLS

1.
J-5888-3

2.
J-6874-5

3. J-6874-8

4. J-6874-9

5. J-7052-2

6. J-7052-5

7. J-7079-2

8. J-7574-2

9. J-7574-4

0. J-8092
Support-

Spring Compressor

Adapter for J-6874-5

Adapter for J-6874-5

Spacer

Installer

Driver Handle

Installer

Support

Driver Handle
11.

12.

12A.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.
Fig.
43-

J-8849

J-8850

J-9502-3

J-9226

J-9513-1

J-9513-2

J-9513-3

J-9514

J-9519-7
Front Suspension Special Tools

Installer

Installer

Remover

Remover

Remover

Remover

Installer

Spacer

Remover
19.
J-9519-10

20.
J-9519-16

21.
J-9519-17

22.
J-21058-8

23.
J-21058-15

24.
J-21474-2

25.
J-21474

26.
J-21474-8

28.
J-21474-13
Clamp

Installer

Receiver

Nut

Screw

Installer

Receiver

Remover

Installer
29.
J-21482

30.
J-21830-7

31.
J-21878

32.
J-21474-3

33.
J-21474-4

34.
J-21474-5

35.
J-21474-6

36.
J-22323-1

37.
J-22323-2
Spacer

Receiver Bridge

Spacer

(Not Illustrated)

(Not Illustrated)

(Not Illustrated)

(Not illustrated)

(Not Illustrated)

(Not Illustrated)

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 4-2

SHOCK ABSORBER

UPPER ATTACHMENT

COIL SPRING

\

R.H. UPPER

CONTROL ARM

LH.
UPPER

CONTROL ARM

(HEAVY DUTY AND

STATION WAGON)
TIE ROD

ATTACHMENT

SHOCK ABSORBER

LOWER ATTACHMENT

LOWER

CONTROL ARM

Fig.
1—Chevrolet Rear Suspension Components

relationship of the axle assembly to the vehicle proper.

These lower control arm axle brackets also mount the

axle rebound bumpers and provide for lower attachment

of the shock absorber. Upper attachment of the shock

absorber is a platform mount to the rear of the coil

spring frame bracket. The coil springs are pigtailed

at both ends; the upper end is isolated from the frame

seat by a rubber insulator, while the lower end seats

on the axle mounted spring bracket which has a vertical

flange to retain the spring.

Sideways movement of the axle assembly is controlled

by two angularly mounted, rubber-bushed upper control

arms.
Projecting ears, cast as part of the differential
carrier, provide for rear attachment and frame cross-

member mounted brackets retain them at the forward

end.

CHEVY 11 AND CAMARO

The.Chevy n and Camaro rear suspension (fig. 3 and

fig.
4) consists of two uniformly stressed rear springs

and two shock absorbers mounted to the spring lower

seats.
The
.
springs are rubber mounted at both axle

and frame attaching points, thus insuring uniform spring

loading, minimizing transmittal of road vibration to

passenger compartment, and providing a pivot point to

•MMMi
MMM—Hi—1—1——1——1MMMMiM_

[•?{aw-i
'
"'
i

\ SHOCK^^BBB^^B(^^CO1L

ABSORBER ^HH^ SPRING
g^8^"
_ LOWER

feSfcto^
CONTROL
ARM

Fig.
2—Chevelle Rear Suspension Components

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE
4-3

AXLE ASSEMBLY
LEAF SPRING

SPRING REAR SHACKLE

SHOCK ABSORBER

Fig.
3—Chevy
II
Rear Suspension Components

absorb axle "wind-up.
The
springs
are
positioned
to
the*

axle spring seats
by
locating pins butt welded
to
the

spring
leaf.
CORVETTE

The Corvette independent three-link type rear
sus-

pension consists
of a
fixed differential carrier which
is

SPRING REAR SHACKLE

LEAF SPRING

SHOCK ABSORBER

SPRING FRONT MOUNT

Fig.
4—Comoro Rear Suspension Components

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE
4-4

PROPELLER SHAFT

CARRIER FRONT SUPPORT
CAMBER CAM CONTROL ARM

Fig. 5—Corvette Rear Suspension and Driveline Components

rubber mounted to the frame at three points, with the .

strut rods, drive shafts and torque control arms forming

the three links at each wheel, and a transversely mounted

multi-leaf spring (fig. 5).

The bbx section trailing torque control arms are

mounted at the forward end into frame side member

openings through pivot bolts and rubber bushings, and

extend rearward to connect to the leaf spring. The

wheel spindles and spindle supports are attached to the

torque arms through four bolts pressed into the arm.

Rear wheel toe-in angle is adjusted through the use of

variable thickness shims inserted between the torque

arm and the frame side member web at the forward

pivoting joint.

The rear wheel spindles are driven through double

"U"
jointed, tubular driveshafts which are flange mount-

ed to a splined spindle flange at their outboard end and

bolted to the differential side gear yokes at their in-

board end. Wheel spindle support houses the inner and

outer tapered roller bearings, two to each wheel. Bear-

ing adjustment is made through the use of a spacer and

variable thickness shims between the bearings.

The spindle supports also incorporate integrally
forged, fork-shaped mounting brackets to accept the

outer ends of the rubber-bushed strut rods. The strut

rods are mounted laterally from the spindle support to

a bracket bolted to the lower surface of the axle car-

rier. The strut rod connection at this point is with an

eccentric cam arrangement and provides for rear wheel

camber adjustment.

The direct, double-acting shock absorbers are at-

tached at the upper eye to a frame bracket and at the

lower eye to the strut rod mounting shaft which incor-

porates a threaded stud for. the shock absorber lower

eye.

The transversely mounted multi-leaf spring is clamp

bolted at the center section to a lower mounting surface

on the differential carrier cover. The outer ends of the

main leaf are provided with a hole through which the

spring is link bolted to the rear of the torque control

arms.
The spring assembly is provided with full length

liners.

An optionally available stabilizer shaft attaches to the

upper rear section of the torque arms, and stretches

rearward where it is connected to the frame by two

rubber-bushed mounting brackets.

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS

Periodic maintenance and adjustments are not required

for the rear suspension components. The suspension

system should be checked for shock absorber action,
condition of suspension bushings, tightness of suspension

attaching bolts and an overall visual inspection of com-

ponents for defects.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-5

Fig.
6—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Chevrolet and Chevelle)

RIDING HEIGHT CHECK

(Chevrolet, Chevelle Camaro and Chevy II)

In case of vehicle riding height complaints, a spring

height check will show if the rear suspension is at the

right height.

1.
Position car on smooth level floor.

2.
Vehicle must be at curb weight (full gas tank, no

passengers, spare and jack in trunk). Car should be

raised up a few times to allow suspension to settle

with car weight to eliminate friction at arm pivots.

3.
On Chevrolet and Chevelle models, measure riding
Fig.
8—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Camaro)

height as the distance from the top of the axle hous-

ing to frame kick-up (fig. 6).

4.
On Chevy II models, measure riding height as the

distance from lower surface of bumper support

bracket to top of axle housing (fig. 7).

5.
On Camaro models measure riding height as the

distance from jounce bumper upper attaching bolt to

top of axle housing (fig. 8).

6. Riding heights vary between models* Refer to speci-

fications section for vehicle and model application.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT (CORVETTE)

Camber

Wheel camber angle is obtained by adjusting the eccen-

tric cam and bolt assembly located at the inboard mount-

ing of the strut rod (fig. 9). Place rear wheels on

alignment machine and determine camber angle. To

adjust, loosen cam bolt nut and rotate cam and bolt as-

sembly until specified camber is reached. Tighten nut

securely and torque to specifications.

Fig.
7—Rear Riding Height (Chevy II)
Fig.
9—Ad
justing
Rear Wheel Camber (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-6

Fig.
10—Toe-in Adjusting Shim Location (Corvette)

Toe-in

Wheel toe-in is adjusted by inserting shims of varying

thickness inside the frame side member on both sides

of the torque arm pivot bushing (fig. 10). Shims are

available in thicknesses of
1/64",
1/32",
1/8" and 1/4".

To adjust toe-in, remove torque arm pivot bolt; then

position torque arm to obtain specified toe-in. Shim gap

toward vehicle centerline between torque arm bushing

and frame side inner wall.

NOTE: Do not use thicker shim than necessary,

and do not use undue force when shimming inner

side of torque arm - to do so may cause toe

setting to change.

Shim outboard gap as necessary to obtain solid stack-

up between torque arm bushing and inner wall of frame

side member. After correct shim stack has been se-

lected, install pivot bolt and hardened washers (fig. 10) -
making sure that all shims are retained - torque nut to

specifications and install cotter pin. If specified torque

does not permit cotter pin insertion, tighten nut to next

flat.

WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT (CORVETTE)

inspection

The tapered-roller spindle bearings should have end

play of .001" to
.008".
During inspection, check end

play and, when necessary, adjust as outlined in this

section.

1.
Raise rear of vehicle until wheels clear ground.

2.
Disengage bolt lock tabs and disconnect outboard end

of axle drive shaft from wheel spindle flange.

3.
Mark camber cam in relation to bracket. Loosen and

turn camber bolt until strut rod forces control arm

outward. Position loose end of axle drive shaft to

one side for access to spindle.

4.
Remove wheel and tire assembly. Mount dial in-

dicator (Tool J-8001) on torque arm or adjacent

surface and rest pointer on flange or spindle end

(fig. H).

5.
Grasp brake disc and move axially (in and out) while

reading movement on dial indicator. If end movement

is within the .001" to .008" limit, bearings do not

require adjustment. If not within .001" to .008"

limit, record reading for future reference and adjust

bearings as outlined below.

Adjustment

1.
Apply parking brake to prevent spindle from turning

and remove cotter pin and nut from spindle.

2.
Release parking brake and remove drive spindle

flange from splined end of spindle.

3.
Remove brake caliper and brake disc as outlined in

Section 5.

4.
Install Thread Protector J-21859-2 over spindle

threads; then remove drive spindle from spindle

support, using Tool J-22602 as shown in Figure 12.

CAUTION: When using Tool J-22601 to remove

drive spindle, make sure puller plate is posi-

Fig.
11—Checking Wheel Bearing Adjustment (Corvette)
Fig. 12—Removing Drive Spindle from Support (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL