1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO wheel torque

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-21

Chevy II

Removal

1.
Support control arm on Tool J-7 574-4 and insert

Spacer J-9514 (fig. 34).

2,
Press bushing out with Tool J-9226 and Handle

J-7079-2 (fig. 34).

Installation

With Spacer J-9514 still in control arm, invert control

arm and press in new bushing with Tool, J-7474-2 and

Handle J-7079-2 until bushing is fully seated.

CAUTION: It should be noted that control arm

bushing diameters are unequal and bushing must

be pressed into position through larger diameter

only.

CROSS SHAFT AND/ON BUSHINGS

Corvette

Removal

1.
Remove bolt, lock washer and collar from each end

of cross shaft.

2.
Thread a 7/16 x 20 capscrew (furnished with Tool

J-5888) to the bottom of the threads in one end of the

cross shaft.

3.
Support control arm in an arbor press on Tool

J-5888-3,
as shown in Figure 35.

NOTE:
Be certain bushing flange does not

contact support.

4.
Press on cap screw until bushing is free of control

arm. Discard bushing.

5. Remove cap screw from cross shaft. Insert it in

other end of shaft. Invert control arm on support.

Again be certain bushing flange does not contact

support.

6. Press on cap screw until bushing is free of control

arm. Discard bushing.

Installation

1.
With cross shaft in control arm and Tool J-7052-1

in position, place control arm on Tool J-5888-3.

Hand start bushing into control arm and over end of

cross shaft.

NOTE:
The end of the shaft with the two bolt

holes should be toward front of control arm.

2.
Install Tool J-7052-5 over bushing. Be certain

three-piece spacer is not over-lapping bushing holes

in control arm.

3.
Press bushing into control arm until flange contacts

control arm (fig. 36).

4.
Invert arm in press and repeat the process on the

other bushing. After installation, cross shaft should

be free enough to be rotated by hand.

5. Install collar, lock washer and cap screw in each end

of cross shaft. Tighten to torque shown in Specifica-

tions after spring installation.
UPPER CONTROL ARM SPHERICAL JOINT

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Comoro and Corvette

Inspection

The upper spherical joint is checked for wear by

checking the torque required to rotate the ball stud in the

assembly. After performing the first four steps under

"Replacement" below, install a stud nut on the stud and

measure the torque required to turn the stud in the as-

sembly with a torque wrench. Specified torque for a new

joint is 9 lbs. ft. If torque readings are excessively

high or low, replace the ball joint. If excessive wear is

indicated in upper joint, both upper and lower joints

should be replaced.

NOTE:
This inspection does not necessitate

upper control arm removal.

Replacement

1.
Support the vehicle weight at the outer end of the

lower control arm.

2.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper control arm

ball stud.

4.
Remove the stud from knuckle.

5. Cut off the ball joint rivets with a chisel.

6. Install new joint and retain in place with the special

nuts and bolts supplied.

7. Reassemble ball stud to the steering knuckle.

Chevy II

Inspection

The following on-the-vehicle check is to determine ball

joint wear.

NOTE:
The upper ball joint is a loose fit when

not connected to the steering knuckle. Wear may

be checked without disassembling the ball stud

by
using'
the following procedure:

1.
While vehicle weight is still on front wheels, insert

upper control arm support as shown in Figure 14.

2.
Raise vehicle and allow wheel and tire to hang free.

3.
Measure distance from tip of ball stud to top surface

of control arm.

4.
Place adjustable jackstand under tire and raise

slightly to take up ball joint looseness.

5. Repeat Step 3 and if the difference in measurements

exceeds 3/32", the joint is excessively worn and

should be replaced.

Replacement

1.
With vehicle weight still on front wheels, install

spacer between upper control arm and frame side

rail (fig. 15). Raise vehicle.

2.
Remove wheel and tire.

3.
Disconnect stabilizer link (if present) and strut rod

at lower control arm.

4.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper ball joint stud.

5. Break ball stud loose. Drop lower control arm,

steering knuckle and brake assembly with an adjust-

able jackstand until upper control arm ball joint is

easily accessible.

6. Using a large chisel, cut off the three ball joint re-

taining plate rivet heads. It may be necessary to

drill out rivet heads before chiseling.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION
3-22

CHEVROLET

s-L 1 \
TYPICAL
OF

-^-x ^K CORVETTE, CHEVELLE AND CAMARO

CHEVY n

Rg.
37 - Upper Control Arm Attachment

NOTE:
Additional support to upper control

arm may be necessary while chiseling.

7. Clean ball joint seat in arm and inspect for cracking

or other evidence of fatigue. If cracks are present at

the rivet holes or ball joint opening, replace arm as

outlined later in this section.

8. Attach replacement ball joint assembly to the control

arm, using special bolts furnished with replacement

kit.

NOTE:
Use only special hardened bolts fur-

nished with this replacement kit. Do not attempt

to use other non-hardened bolts and do not at-

tempt to rivet replacement ball joint to arm.
9. Raise lower control arm and steering knuckle as-

sembly into position, insert upper ball stud into up-

per steering knuckle and install stud nut. Torque

nut as shown in the specifications and insert new

cotter pin. Install stabilizer and strut rod.

10.
Lubricate ball joint, install wheel and tire and re-

move adjustable jackstand.

11.
Lower vehicle and remove upper control arm spacer.

12.
Check and readjust caster and camber angles where

necessary.

LUBE FITTINGS

Special self threading type lube fittings are used in the

spherical joint assemblies. If it is necessary to replace

a fitting a standard threaded type may be used. However,

replacement spherical joint assemblies are supplied less

the lube fitting. Therefore it will be necessary to install

a self threading type fitting into the untapped hole pro-

vided when replacing the entire assembly.

UPPER CONTROL ARM

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette

(Fig.
37)

Removal

1.
Support vehicle weight at outer end of lower control

arm.

2.
Remove wheel and tire assembly.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper control arm

ball stud. ,

4.
REMOVE The stud from knuckle.

5. Remove two nuts retaining upper control arm shaft to

front crossmember. (Chevelle, Camaro and Cor-

vette—Note number of shims at each bolt.)

6. Remove the bolts attaching the control arm to the

frame to allow proper clearance for control arm

removal if necessary.

7. Remove upper control arm from vehicle.

Installation

1.
Install upper control arm in vehicle.

2.
Install nuts, bolts and lock washers retaining upper

control arm shaft to frame. (Chevelle, Camaro and

Corvette—Install same number of shims as removed

at each bolt.)

3.
Torque nuts as shown in the Specifications at the end

of this book.

4.
Install ball stud through knuckle, install nut, tighten

and install cotter pin.

5. Install wheel and tire assembly.

6. Lower vehicle to floor.

7. Bounce front end of vehicle to centralize bushings

and tighten bushing collar bolts as shown in the

Specifications.

Chevy II (Fig. 37)

Removal

1.
Remove spring and shock absorber as outlined above.

2.
Position adjustable jackstand under lower control

arm.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper ball joint stud

and strike steering knuckle boss to loosen stud.

4.
Drop lower control arm and steering knuckle

assembly.

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
4-4

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

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-7

tioned vertically in the torque arm before ap-

plying pressure to the puller screw.

5.
Remove shim and bearing spacer from spindle

support.

6. Note size of shim used. If dial indicator reading

was more than
.008",
select a shim thinner by the

amount needed to bring end play within limits. If

dial indicator reading was less than
.001",
select a

shim thicker by the amount needed to bring end play

within limits.

NOTE: Shims are available in thicknesses from

.097"
to .148" in increments of
.003".

EXAMPLE: Bearing end play reading obtained

on dial indicator was
.011",
.003" over limit.

Bearing shim removed from spindle measures

.145".
New shim installed measures .139", .006"

smaller. End play is now decreased by .006" and

is
.005",
which is within the .001" to .008" limit.

7.
After determining shim thickness, install bearing

spacer and shim on spindle. Position spindle in

spindle support.

8. Press inner bearing race and roller assembly on

spindle as follows.

a. Position Tool J-4731 over spindle and against

bearing inner race.

b.
Position washer and spindle nut on spindle and

proceed to tighten nut until bearing is forced on

spindle sufficiently to allow spindle drive flange

to be installed (fig. 13). Remove spindle nut,

washer and Tool
J-4731.
Discard nut and use a

new one for final assembly.

9. Position drive flange over spindle, making sure

flange is aligned with spindle splines. Install washer
Fig.
13—Installing Drive Spindle to Support (Corvette)

and nut on spindle then tighten nut to specifications

and install cotter pin. If specified torque does not

permit cotter pin insertion, tighten nut to next flat.

10.
Seat spindle support outer seal in bore by using

screw driver, or other suitable tool, to press against

metal portion of seal.

11.
Install brake disc and caliper. Refer to Section 5

for details of brake disc and caliper installation.

12.
Install axle drive shaft, wheel and tire assembly,

adjust camber cam to original position and torque

all components to specifications.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT

(Chevrolet, Chevelle, Chevy II and Camaro)

COIL SPRING

Chevrolet

Removal

To remove either or both rear coil springs proceed

as follows.

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and place jack stands under

frame. Support vehicle weight at rear, using either

a jack or post of twin-post hoist under axle.

2.
Remove both rear wheels from vehicle.

3.
With the car supported as in Step 1, so that the rear

springs are compressed by weight of vehicle; per-

form the following:

a. Disconnect both rear shock absorbers from the

anchor pin lower attachment.

b.
Loosen the upper control arm(s) rear pivot bolt

(do not remove the nut).

C. Loosen both the left and the right lower control

arm rear attachment (do not disconnect from axle

brackets).

d. Remove the rear suspension tie rod from the

stud on the axle tube.

4.
At the lower seat of both rear coil springs, slightly

loosen the nut on the bolt that retains the spring and

seat to the control arm. When the nut has been

backed off the maximum permissible, all threads of
the nut should still be engaged on the bolt.

CAUTION: Under ,no condition should the nut,

at this time, be removed from the bolt in the

seat of either spring.

5.
Slowly lower the support (jack or hoist post) that has

been in place under the rear axle, thereby allowing

the axle to swing down, carrying the springs out of

their upper seat and providing access for spring

removal.

6. Remove the lower seat attaching parts from each

spring, then remove the springs from the vehicle

(fig. 14).

Installation

1.
Position the springs in their upper seat so that end

of top coil is 3/8" ± 1/8" from end of stop. Install

the lower seat parts on the control arm, with the nut

finger tight on the spring retainer bolt.

NOTE: Omit the lock washer under the special

high carbon bolt, so that sufficient bolt thread

will be available to start the nut. The lock

washers will be installed later (in Step 4).

2.
By alternately raising the axle slightly and then

re-snugging the nut on each spring lower seat bolt,

move the axle upward until vehicle weight is fully

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