1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO Chassis Workshop Manual

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

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