1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO four wheel drive

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
4-4

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 4-18

ig.
44—Rear Suspension Tie Rod Attaching Points (Chevrolet)

Bushing
Replacement

The following bushing removal procedure is effective

for both ends of the tie rod used on station wagons and

the left end of the tie rod used on all models except

station wagons.

1,
With tie rod bushing centered over Tool J-7877-2

and with tie rod supported horizontally, press or

drive bushing from rod, using Tools J-7877-1 and

J-7079-2 as shown in Figure 45.

2.
With tie rod centered over Tool J-7877-2 and rod

supported horizontally, press or drive bushing into

arm using Tools J-7877-3 and J-7079-2 as shown

in Figure 45. Tool J-7877-3 should bottom on tie

rod when bushing is fully installed.
fig.
45—Tie Rod Bushing Replacement (Chevrolet)

Installation

1.
Mount the tie rod to the axle bracket stud. Install

nut and special washer but do not tighten.

NOTE:
On the tie rod used on all models except

station wagons, place flanged portion of bushing

against attaching bracket.

2.
Install the bolt, lock washer and nut to the frame

bracket (fig. 44). Do not tighten.

NOTE:
Bolt may be installed from either

direction.

3.
Lower vehicle to floor (if raised) and bounce rear

end several times to settle bushings. Tighten af-

fected parts to specifications.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT (CORVETTE)

WHEEL SPINDLE AND SUPPORT (Fig. 46)

Removal

Hemdve wheel drive spindle as outlined previously in

this section under "Wheel Bearing Adjustment".

Repairs

Out of 3/8" square steel bar stock, make bearing

removers and use as shown in Figure 47.

After removing deflector, spindle inner grease seal

and inner bearing race, bearing cups may be re-

moved while spindle support is still mounted to the

torque arm, by inserting remover tool and tapping

cup out. New bearing cups are installed using Tool

J-7817 cup installer and handle J-8092 (fig. 48).

To remove spindle support from torque arm, pro-

ceed as follows.

a. Disconnect parking brake cable from actuating

lever.

b.
Remove four nuts securing support to torque arm

and withdraw brake backing plate and position it

out of the way.

c. Disconnect shock absorber lower eye from strut

rod mounting shaft. It may be necessary to sup-

port spring outer end before disconnecting shock
absorber, as shock absorber has internal rebound

control.

d. Remove cotter pin and nut from strut rod mount-

ing shaft, then pull shaft from support and strut

rod.

e. Spindle support may then be removed and bearing

cups serviced as in Step 2 above.

4.
To remove drive spindle outer bearing and seal

proceed as follows.

a. Position Tool J-8331 between chamfered edge of

bearing seat and inner race of bearing (fig. 49).

Clamp Tool J-8331 in a vise and apply pressure

to unseat bearing.

CAUTION: Use extreme caution when position-

ing Tool J-8331 against machined surface of

spindle. Make sure all tool imperfections such

as nicks and burrs are removed from spindle

contact area before applying pressure to unseat

bearing.

b.
Position Tool J-8331 and spindle in an arbor

press and press bearing from spindle (fig. 50).

c. Remove outer seal and inspect for damage--re-

place if necessary. Outer seal must be placed on

spindle before outer bearing inner race and roller

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-21

Fig.
54—Marking Camber Cam and Bracket (Corvette)

bracket, so they may be reassembled in same loca-

tion (fig. 54).

5.
Loosen camber bolt and nut. Remove four bolts se-

curing strut rod bracket to carrier and lower

bracket.

6. Remove cam bolt nut and cam and bolt assembly.

Pull strut down out of bracket and remove bushing

caps.

7.
Inspect strut rod bushings for wear and replace

where necessary. Replace strut rod if it is bent or

damaged in any way.

Repairs

1.
With strut rod bushing centered over Tool J-7877-2

and with strut rod supported horizontally, press or

drive bushing from rod, using Tools J-7877-i and

J-7079-2 as shown in Figure 55.

2.
With strut rod end centered over Tool J-7877-2 and

rod supported horizontally, press or drive bushing

into arm using Tools J-7877-3 and J-7079-2 as

shown in Figure 55. Tool J-7877-3 should bottom

on strut rod when bushing is fully installed.

Installation

1.
Place bushing caps over inboard bushing and slide

rod into bracket. Install cam and bolt assembly and

adjust cam to line up with mark on bracket. Tighten

nut but do not torque at this point.
SPRING
LINK BOLT

SPRING
CUSHION

SPRING

CUSHION
CENTER

CLAMP

PLATE

J-7877-3

J-7877-1

STRUT ROD 11 s* ^#3 STRUT ROD

BUSHING
Fig.
56—Spring Mounting (Corvette)

2.
Raise bracket and assemble to carrier lower mount-

ing surface. Torque bolts to specifications.

3.
Raise outboard end of strut rod into spindle support

fork and insert strut rod shaft into fork so that flat

on shaft lines up with corresponding flat in spindle

fork. Install retaining nut, but do not torque.

4.
Place shock absorber lower eye and bushing over

strut shaft, install washer and nut and torque to

specifications.

5.
Lower vehicle to floor and torque camber cam nut

and strut rod shaft nut to specifications. Then in-

stall cotter pin through rod bolt.

6. Check rear wheel camber and adjust where

necessary.

SPRING (Fig. 56)

Removal

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and support on frame slightly

forward of torque control arm pivot points. Remove

wheels and tires.

Fig.
55—Strut Rod Bushing Replacement
Fig.
57—Chain Installation (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-23

Fig.
62—Torque Control Arm (Corvette)

2.
Place center clamp plate in position and install four

bolts and washers. Tighten bolts and torque to

specifications.

3.
Raise spring outer end with floor jack until spring

is nearly flat and secure with chain as in Step 3-

Removal.

.4.
Lower jack, align torque control arm with spring

end and insert link bolt, rubber cushions and re-

tainers. Install castellated nut on link bolt and

tighten until cotter pin hole in bolt is visible. In-

sert new cotter pin and bend ends around.

5. Raise spring end with jack under link bolt, and re-

move chain and C clamp when loose.

6. Carefully lower jack, making sure rubber cushions

remain indexed in retainers.

7. Remove jack and repeat on opposite side. Install

wheels and tires, remove frame supports and lower

vehicle to floor.

TORQUE CONTROL ARM (Fig. 62)

Removal

1.
Disconnect spring on side torque arm is to be re-

moved. Follow Steps 1-6, Spring-Removal.

NOTE:
If vehicle is so equipped, disconnect

stabilizer rod from torque arm - refer to

"Stabilizer Rod Replacement".

2.
Remove shock absorber lower eye from strut rod

shaft.

3.
Disconnect and remove strut rod shaft and swing

strut rod down.

4.
Remove four bolts securing axle drive shaft to

spindle flange and disconnect drive shaft.

NOTE:
It may be necessary to force torque

arm outboard to provide clearance to drop drive

shaft.

5. Disconnect brake line at wheel cylinder inlet or

caliper and from torque arm. Disconnect parking

brake cable.

6. Remove torque arm pivot bolt and toe-in shims and

pull torque arm out of frame. Tape shims together

and identify for correct reinstallation.
RETAINER

RETAINER

PLATE

BUSHING

CONTROL ARM

Fig.
63—Torque Control Arm Bushing Cross-Sect ion (Corvette)

NOTE:
For service operations pertaining to

the spindle support assembly, refer to service

operations under Wheel Spindle and Support

earlier in this section.

Repairs (Fig. 63)

1.
Using 11/16" drill, drill out flared end of bushing

retainer (fig. 64).

2.
Remove special retainer plate and tap retainer out

of bushing.

3.
Remove bushings by spreading them apart with a

chisel and tap out of arm (fig. 65).

NOTE:
If bushing diameters are severely

rusted in torque arm, and arm tends to spread

during removal, clamp arm in a C-clamp to

prevent spreading.

Fig.
64—Drilling Out Retainer Flare (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-30

Fig.
76—Differential Gear Failure

Hypoid Gears

Hypoid gear tooth scoring (fig. 74) is caused generally

by improper break-in, incorrect lube, insufficient gear

backlash or improper 'ring/pinion gear alignment. The

scoring will progressively lead to complete erosion of

the gear tooth, or gear tooth pitting and eventual fracture

with possible attendant damage to bearings, if the initial
scoring condition is not diagnosed in time and corrected.

Hypoid gear scoring is easily recognized by its char-

acteristic loud whine in either drive, coast or under both

conditions. Another cause of hypoid tooth fracture (fig.

75) is extended overloading of the gear set which will

produce fatigue fracture, or shock loading which will

result in sudden failure.

Differential Gears

Common causes of differential gear failure are shock

loading, extended overloading leading to fatigue failure,

and overheating of gear thrust surfaces resulting from

excessive wheel spin and consequent lubrication break-

down. Overheating will lead to seizing of thrust surfaces

or tooth failure (fig. 76).

Bearings

• Failure of axle tapered roller bearings is due pri-

marily to excessive wear caused by long service or

foreign materials in the oil. The second most common

cause of bearing failure is too tight or too loose pre-

load adjustment leading to spalling and eventual failure.

This failure may also lead to hypoid gear scoring due to

the resultant misalignment of the hypoid gear set.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT

(Chevrolet, Cheveile, Chevy II and Camaro)

AXLE ASSEMBLY

Removal

1.
Raise vehicle to a height that will permit axle as-

sembly to hang freely and position supports under

both frame side rails.

2.
Disconnect wheel cylinder inlet lines. Disconnect and

remove brake hose and brake line retaining bracket

by removing retaining bolt from carrier cover.

3.
Loosen parking brake equalizer adjusting nut and

disconnect both rear cables at frame bracket and at

control arms. See Section 5 for detail of parking

brake cable removal.

4.
Remove two trunnion bearing "U" bolts from the

rear yoke and separate rear universal joint. Wire

propeller shaft to frame side rail and tape trunnion

bearing cups.

5. Support arid secure axle assembly with an adjustable

lifting device. On Chevrolet and Cheveile models,

loosen upper and lower control arm attaching bolts

at axle housing. (On Chevrolet models, disconnect

tie rod at axle bracket.)

6. Disconnect shock absorbers at axle brackets. Refer

to Shock Absorber Removal procedures outlined in

this section.

7. On Chevrolet and Cheveile models, lower axle as-

sembly until suspension reaches end of travel, then

disconnect spring retainers and withdraw springs

from vehicle.

8. On Chevy II and Camaro models, remove four nuts

securing lower spring seat to axle housing, then

remove spring front eye bolts or spring attaching

bracket and swing spring to rear so that it does not

interfere with axle.

9. On Chevrolet and Cheveile models, disconnect upper

and lower control arm attaching bolts at axle housing*
10.
Lower axle assembly and remove from under vehicle.

Installation

1.
Place axle assembly under vehicle and raise into

position.

2.
On Chevrolet and Cheveile models, install, but do not

tighten, upper and lower control arm attaching bolts

at axle housing.

3.
On Chevrolet models, position coil springs in upper

seats so that end of spring is indexed in seat.

4.
On Chevrolet models, install lower end of spring on

axle bracket or control arm and secure by installing

retainer and bolt. Install lock washer and retainer

nut.

5. On Cheveile pry lower pigtail of spring over vertical

flange of the axle bracket spring seat.

6. On Chevy II and Camaro models, install spring seat

pads and swing springs up into spring seats on axle

housing, making sure upper seat pads are aligned in

axle housing bracket.

7. Install spring front eye bolt and tighten, then install

spring seat lower mounting bracket and retaining

nuts.

8. Raise axle assembly to allow shock absorber and tie

rod installation. Position shock absorber in axle

bracket. Torque nut as outlined in Shock Absorber

Installation procedures.

9. Install brake hose and brake line retaining bracket

to carrier and connect wheel cylinder inlet lines.

Connect parking brake cable to frame bracket and

at control arm. Adjust parking brake and bleed

brakes as outlined in Section 5.

10.
Reassemble rear universal joint to companion flange.

11.
Support vehicle at axle and remove supports from

beneath the frame side rails.

12.
Remove supports and lower vehicle to floor. Torque

all affected parts to specifications.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-32

HP?

Fig.
81
—Whed Bearing and/or Oil Seal Installation

4.
Install brake components on flange and connect

hydraulic line to wheel cylinder inlet. See Section 5

for brake assembly procedure.

5. Install axle shaft, brake drum and wheel and tire

assembly.

6. Bleed and. adjust brakes as outlined in Section 5.

Installation

1.
Slide axle shaft into place.

CAUTION: Exercise care that splines on end

of shaft do not damage oil seal and that they

engage with splines of differential side gear/

2.
Install axle shaft "C" lock on button end of axle-

shaft and push shaft outward so that shaft lock seats

in counterbore of differential side gear.

3.
Position differential pinion shaft through case and

pinions, aligning hole in shaft with lock screw hole.

Install lock screw and torque to specifications.

4.
Using a new gasket, install carrier cover and torque

bolts to specifications.

CAUTION: Make sure both gasket surfaces on

carrier and cover are clean before installing

new gasket. Torque carrier cover bolts in a

crosswise pattern to ensure uniform draw on

cover gasket.

5. Fill axle with lubricant to a level even with bottom

of filler hole. See Section 0 for proper lubricant.

6. Install brake drum and wheel and tire assembly.

7. Lower vehicle and test operation of axle.

PINION FLANGE, DUST DEFLECTOR

AND/OR OIL SEAL

Replacement

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and place stand jacks under

frame side rails so that axle hangs freely to allow

sufficient working room.

2.
Check wheels for freedom of rotation.

3.
Separate rear universal joint, tape trunnion bearings

to joint, position propeller shaft to one side and tie

it to frame side rail.

4.
Using Tool J-5853 with Adapter J-5810 and a suitable

socket on the pinion flange nut, rotate the pinion

through several complete revolutions and record the

torque required to keep the pinion turning (fig. 82).

If flange is to be reused, mark pinion and flange for

reassembly in the same relative position.

5. Install Tool J-8614-1 on pinion flange and remove

pinion flange nut and washer (fig. 83). (Position
Fig. 82—Measuring Drive Pinion Bearing Preload

J-8614-1 on flange so that the four notches are

toward flange.) Discard nut and use a new one

upon reassembly.

6. Thread pilot end of Tool J-8614-3 into small O.D.

end of J-8614-2. Then with J-8614-1 installed as

in Step 4, insert J-8614-2 into J-8614-1 and turn

it 45 degrees to locked position. Remove flange by

turning J-8614-3 while holding J-8614-1 (fig. 84).

7. Pry old seal out of bore, using a screw driver or a

hammer and chisel.

8. Inspect pinion flange for smooth oil seal surface,

worn drive splines, damaged ears, and for smooth-

ness of bearing contact surface. Replace if

necessary.

9. If deflector requires replacement, remove by tapping

from flange, clean up stake points; install new de-

flector, and stake deflector at three new equally

spaced positions.

NOTE:
Staking operation must be performed

in such a manner that the seal operating surface

is not damaged.

1.0. Pack the cavity between the seal lips of the pinion

flange oil seal with a lithium-base extreme pressure

lubricant, position seal in bore, then using Tools

J-21468 and J-9458, for light-duty axle and Tool

Fig. 83-—Drive Pinion Nut Removal

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-34

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT (CORVETTE)

AXLE DRIVESHAFT-FIGURE 88

Removal

1.
Disconnect inboard driveshaft trunnion from side

gear yoke.

2.
Bend bolt lock tabs down and remove four bolts

securing shaft flange to spindle drive flange.

3.
Pry driveshaft out of outboard drive flange pilot

and remove by withdrawing outboard end first (fig.

89).

Repairs

1.
Remove bearing lock ring from trunnion yoke.

2.
Support turnnion yoke on a piece of 1-1/4" pipe on

arbor press bed.

3.
Using suitable socket or rod, press trunnion down

far enough to drive opposite bearing cup from yoke.

4.
Remove trunnion and press other bearing cup from

yoke, being careful not to
drop'
cup
or lose bearing

rollers.

5. Remove trunnion and yoke from other joint in a

similar manner.

3

AXLE
II 1

i

c

DRI\

c

y
'E SHAFT ^

AXLE
v

DRIVE^
SHAFT
•
Fig.
88—Axle Driveshaft
6. Remove dust seals from trunnion, clean and inspect

bearing rollers and trunnion. Relubricate bearings

with a high-melting point wheel bearing type

lubricant.

NOTE:
In addition to packing the bearings,

make sure that the lubricant reservoir at the

end of each trunnion is completely filled with

lubricant. In filling these reservoirs, pack lu-

bricant into the hole so as to fill from the .

bottom. This will prevent air pockets and en-

sure an adequate supply of lubricant.

7. Place new dust seals on trunnion, cavity of seal

toward end of trunnion - then position Tool J-21556

over end of trunnion and into cavity portion of seal.

Press seal onto trunnion until tool bottoms against

trunnion (fig. 90).

NOTE:
Installation of seal is critical to proper

sealing - use specified tool during installation

to prevent seal distortion and to assure proper

seating of seal on trunnion.

8. Partially install one bearing cup into yoke. Place

trunnion in yoke and into bearing cup. Install other

bearing cup and press both bearing cups into yoke,

being careful to keep trunnion aligned in bearing

cups.

9. Press bearing cups far enough to install lock rings,

and install lock rings.

NOTE:
It may be more convenient, if neces-

sary, to use a bench vise for removal and

installation, instead of an arbor press. In this

case, proceed with disassembly and assembly

procedure as with an arbor press.

Installation

1.
Place driveshaft inboard trunnion into side gear

yokes and assemble
"XJ"
bolts. Rotate yokes so that

trunnion seats are phased 90° apart.

2.
Install outboard drive flange into spindle drive flange

pilot, position bolt lock over bolt holes and install

four bolts. Torque bolts to specification and bend

lock tabs flat against bolt heads.

Fig. 89—Removing Driveshaft

Fig.
90—
"U"
Joint Trunnion Seal Installation

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL