1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO height

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 4-5

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 4-8

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

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-15

ship of parts, then install Spacer J-
7574-
3 over

the partially installed bushing and between the

sides of the control arm.

f. Continue to tighten J-
21058-
8
until bushing is

pulled flush against control arm. Do not exert

undue force against control arm after bushing is

installed. Overtightening of J-21058-
8
will cause

damage to walls of control arm.

g. Disassemble tools and inspect bushing for proper

installation.

Replace the rear bushing as follows:

a. Position Puller Screw J-21058-8 through Re-

mover Adapter J-21830-2 so that head of screw

is opposite button end of remover. Install this

assembly, threaded end of sc'rew first, through

bushing to be removed.

b.
Install Receiver J-21830-4 and Bridge J-21830-7

. over screw and against control arm. Position

thrust bearing against J-21830-7 and screw

J-21058-8 snugly against bearing. Install Spacer

J-
2183d-
3
between sides of control arm and over

bushing.

c. Check tool installation for proper alignment and

tighten J-21058-8 to withdraw bushing from con-

trol arm. Refer to Figure 35 for installed view

of tools.

d. Disassemble tools and position Installer Adapter

J-21830-2 on flanged end of new bushing. Posi-

tion bushing in control arm making sure of cor-

rect installation. Small end of bushing will pass

through one side of arm without any interference.

e. Install J-21830-4, J-21830-7, thrust bearing and

J-21058-8 on threaded end of J-21058-15 as

shown in Figure 36. Tighten J-21058 to main-

tain proper relationship of parts; then position

Spacer J- 21830- 3 over bushing and between sides

of control arm.

f. Tighten J-21058-8 until bushing is fully seated
J-21058-8 J-21830-7 J-21830-4 J-21830-3 J-21830-2

\

J-2K

X
D58-8
J-218
30-7

IP

•he?

21830-4
J-21830-2

JfSir

J-21830-3

Fig.
35—Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Removal

(Chevrolet)
Fig.
36—Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Installation

(Chevrolet)

against side of control arm. Do not apply undue

pressure to J-21058 after bushing is seated--to

do so may cause permanent distortion to control

arm.

g. Disassemble tools and check bushing for proper

installation.

Installation

NOTE:
Make sure control arm is reinstalled

in proper forward attaching position. Reinstall

in same hole as noted during removal. Top

attaching hole is used for all installations except

station wagons and heavy-duty suspension (RPO

F41).
Opposite arm must be installed in cor-

responding position.

1.
Position the control arm between the mounting

brackets and loosely install the pivot bolt retaining

nuts in the proper position.

2.
Install spring and shock absorber as outlined in this

section.

3.
Lower vehicle so that weight is placed on sus-

pension components and torque all affected parts to

specifications.

Chevelle Upper and Lower

Removal

NOTE:
If both upper control arms and both

lower control arms are to be removed at the

same time, remove both coil springs as outlined

under "Coil Spring Removal".

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

bly to hand freely and position supports under both

frame side rails.

2.
Support axle assembly with an adjustable lifting de-

vice and raise rear axle assembly until tension is

relieved in control arm being removed.

3.
Disconnect control arm at forward and rearward

attaching points and remove from vehicle.

Bushing Replacement

The upper arm front bushing and carrier ear bushings

are of the same part number and are interchangeable.

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 4-31

Fig.
77—Differential Pinion Shaft Removal

AXLE SHAFT

Removal

1.
Raise vehicle to desired working height and remove

wheel and tire assembly and brake drum.

2.
Clean all dirt from area of carrier cover. *

3.
Drain lubricant from carrier by removing cover.

4.
Remove the differential pinion shaft lock screw and

the differential pinion shaft (fig. 77).

5. Push flanged end of axle shaft toward center of

vehicle and remove "C" lock from button end of

shaft.

6. Remove axle shaft from housing, being careful not

to damage oil seal.

Wheel Bolt Replacement .

Press bolts out of axle shaft flange (as illustrated in

Figure 78) and press new bolts into place, making sure

that they are tight and square with flange.

Off Seal and/or Bearing Replacement

•1.
Remove the oil seal by using the button end of the

axle shaft - insert the button end of the shaft behind

the steel case of the oil seal, then pry seal out of

bore being careful not to damage housing.

2.
Insert Tool J-8119 into bore and position it behind

bearing so that tangs on tool engage bearing outer

x race. Remove bearing, using slide hammer as shown

in Figure 79. Figure 80 shows a detail of axle

housing outer end.

3.
Lubricate new bearing with wheel bearing lubricant,

and install bearing so that it bottoms against
Fig.
79—Wheel Bearing Removal

shoulder (fig. 81). To install bearing use Tool

J-21491 for the Chevelle, Camaro and Chevy JI

light-duty axle and Tool J-21051 for all Chevrolet

models and also for Chevelle, Camaro and Chevy tl

models with heavy-duty axle.

Pack cavity between the seal lips with a high melting

point wheel bearing lubricant; position seal on tool

(Use J-21491 for the Chevelle, Camaro and Chevy II

light-duty axle and J-21051 for all Chevrolet models

and also for Chevelle, Camaro and Chevy II models

with heavy-duty axle) and position seal in axle

housing bore, tap seal into place so that it bottoms

against bearing (fig. 81).

Brake Flange Plate Replacement

1.
Remove "brake line at wheel cylinder inlet and dis-

assemble brake components from flange plate. Refer

to Section 5 for brake disassembly procedure.

2.
Remove 4 nuts securing flange plate to axle housing.

3.
Install new flange plate to axle housing and torque

nuts to specifications.

Fig.
78—Wheel Bolt Replacement
Fig.
80-Axle Housing Detail

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

BRAKES 5-8

Fig.
17—-Checking Brake Shoe Lining Clearance

Using Tool J-21177

b.
Turn the tool to the opposite side and fit over

the brake shoes by turning the star wheel, until

the gauge just slides over the linings (fig. 17).

c. Rotate the gauge around the brake shoe lining

surface to assure prpper clearance.

Alternate

a. Using the brake drum as an adjustment fixture

turn the star wheel until the drum slides over

the brake shoes with a slight drag.

b.
Turn the star wheel 1-1/4 turns to retract the

shoes.
This will allow sufficient lining-to-drum

clearance so final adjustment may be made as

described in Step 4.

3.
Install the drum and wheel.

NOTE: 1: If lanced area in brake drum is

knocked out, be sure all metal has been re-

moved from brake compartment. Install new

hole cover in drum to prevent contamination

of the brakes.

NOTE: 2: Make certain when installing drums

that drums are installed in the same position

as when removed with the drum locating tang

in line with the locating hole in the wheel hub

(fig. 18).

4.
Make final adjustment by making numerous forward

and reverse stops, applying brakes with a firm

pedal effort until a satisfactory brake pedal height

results.

NOTE: Frequent usage of an automatic trans-

mission forward range to halt reverse vehic;..$

motion may prevent the automatic adjuster.:?

from functioning, thereby inducing low pedal

heights.
Fig.
.18—Aligning Drum Tang with Wheel Hub

Parking Broke

The rear brake assemblies serve a dual purpose in

that they are utilized both as a hydraulically operated

service brake and also as a mechanically operated

parking brake. In view of this dual purpose, the service

brake must be properly adjusted as a base for parking

brake adjustment; conversely the parking brake must

be properly adjusted for the service brake to function

as intended.

Adjustment

1.
Jack up both rear wheels.

2.
Apply parking brake, two notches from fully re-

leased position.

3.
Loosen the equalizer forward check nut, and tighten

or loosen the rear nut until a light to moderate drag

is felt when rear wheels are rotated.

4.
Tighten check nuts securely.

5.
Fully release parking brake and rotate rear wheels;

no drag should be present.

Inspection

If complete release of the parking brake is not ob-

tained, unless it is forcibly returned to its released

position, or if application effort is high, check parking

brake assembly for free operation. If operation is sticky

or a bind is experienced, correct as follows:

1.
Clean and lubricate brake cables and equalizer.

2.
Inspect brake assembly for straightness and align-

ment (replace if necessary).

3.
Clean and lubricate parking brake assembly.

4.
Check routing of cables for kinks or binding.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-33

O

V-8 ENGINE
STARTING MOTOR

Fig.
2s—V-8 Starting Circuit Diagram

2.

3.
From battery negative post
To
starting motor

housing.

From solenoid battery terminal
To
solenoid motor

terminal.

If voltage drop
in
any
of
above check exceeds 0.2 volts,

excessive resistance
is
indicated in that portion
of
start-

ing circuit
and the
cause
of the
excessive resistance

should
be
located
and
corrected
in
order to obtain maxi-

mum efficiency in the circuit.

CAUTION:
Do not
operate
the
starting motor

continuously
for
more than
30
seconds
to
avoid

overheating.

When
the
solenoid fails
to
pull
in, the
trouble may be

due
to
excessive voltage drop in the solenoid control cir-

cuit.
To
check
for
this condition, close
the
starting

switch
and
measure
the
voltage drop between
the
BAT-

TERY terminal of the solenoid and the
SWITCH (S)
termi-

nal
of
the solenoid.
1.
If
this voltage drop exceeds 3.5 volts, excessive
re-

sistance
in the
solenoid control circuit
is
indicated

and should be corrected.

2.
If the
voltage drop does not exceed 3.5 volts and the

solenoid does not pull in, measure the voltage availa-

ble
at
the SWITCH terminal
of
the solenoid.

3.
If the
solenoid does
not
feel warm,
it
should pull
in

whenever the voltage available
at
the SWITCH termi-

nal
is 7.7
volts
or
more. When
the
solenoid feels

warm,
it
will require
a
somewhat higher voltage
to

pull in.

STARTING MOTOR AND SOLENOID CHECK

The following checks
may be
made
if the
specific

gravity of the battery
is
1.215
or
higher.

1.
If the
solenoid does
not
pull in, measure the voltage

between
the
switch
(S)
terminal
of the
solenoid
and

ground with the starting switch closed.

CAUTION:
If the
solenoid feels warm, allow
to

cool before checking.

If
the
voltage
is
less than 7.7 volts, check for ex-

cessive resistance
in the
solenoid control circuit.

If
the
voltage exceeds 7.7 volts, remove the starting

motor
and
check
(1)
solenoid current draw,
(2)

starting motor pinion clearance,
and (3)
freedom of

shift lever linkage.

2.
If
the solenoid "chatters" but does not hold in, check

the solenoid
for an
open "hold-in" 'winding. When-

ever
it is
necessary
to
replace
a
starting motor

solenoid, always check starting motor pinion

clearance.

3.
If
motor engages
but
does
not
crank
or
cranks

slowly, check
for
excessive resistance
in the ex-

ternal starting circuit, trouble within
the
starting

motor,
or
excessive engine resistance
to
cranking.

SERVICE OPERATIONS

STARTING MOTOR

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Fig.
3s)

The following procedure
is a
general guide
for all

vehicles
and
will vary slightly depending
on
series
and

model.

1.
Disconnect battery ground cable at battery.

2.
Raise vehicle
to a
good working height.

3.
Disconnect all wires
at
solenoid terminals.

NOTE: Reinstall
the
nuts
as
each wire
is
dis-

connected
as
thread size
is
different but may be

mixed and stripped.

4.
Loosen starter front bracket (nut on V-8 and bolt on

L-6) then remove two mount bolts.

5.
Remove
the
front bracket bolt
or nut and
rotate

bracket clear
of
work area then lower starter from

vehicle
by
lowering front end first
—
(hold starter

against bell housing
and
sort
of
roll end-over-end).

6. Reverse
the
removal procedure
to
install. Torque

the mount bolts
to
25-35
ft.
lbs. first, then torque

brace bolt.

7.
Check operation
of
starter on vehicle.
Fig.
3s—Starter Mounting

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL