Strut Rods

[Joel K.]

After putting it off for way too long, I'm finally replacing my badly bent strut rods on my '65 roadster. My problem is that the new rods (from ZIP Products) won't line up with the trailing arms; they're a good inch or so off. I'm sure there's someone out there who's been through this process; can anyone shed some light on the correct way to install new strut rods on a '65? Thanks!

[Wayne P.]

Re: Strut Rods

The trailing arms will move in and out and up and down. You just have to find the right spot. Loosen the alignment adjustment under the rear end. You may even have to remove the bracket that attaches to the rear end. Just depends on the car.

[Joe L.]

Re: Strut Rods

Joel-----

I agree with Wayne; what he said is what you've got to do. If you raise the wheels so that the trailing arms are approximately in the "car-on-ground" position, you will likely be able to install the strut rods.

One other thing, though: if the replacement strut rods that you received from ZIP are the 75-79 style with the large ends, then the "alignment" of the trailing arms is even more critical since these strut rods are a bit more difficult to install. The chances are great that the replacement strut rods are the newer style, which GM uses to SERVICE all 63-79 Corvettes, since the earlier style with "small" ends haven't been available for years.

[Werner R.]

Re: Strut Rods

when i ran into this, i removed the center breacket on th bottom of the diff housing. then i used 4 pieces of threaded rod and screwed it into the 4 bolt holes. then i lowered the bracket about 3 inches. then i connected the outer end of the rods and then used nuts on the threaded rod to raise the bracket into place and then replaced the rod pieces one at a time with the bolts. this is the only way i found to connect the outsdide end and still line up the bolt holes with the bracket. good luck. very easy and cheap.

[William V.]

Re: Strut Rods

Joel

I never attempted to install or remove a strut rod with the spring attached to the traling arm. I have worked on many rears and always removed the spring link bolts first. With the spring pressure released, I simply raised the trailing arm with the floor jack to line up the strut.

Bill