Question on 69 trailing arm install

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm installing the trailing arms on my 69 and have a question about the large washers that come in the trailing arm pivot bolt kit from Paragon. I do not see in either their catalogue or in the AIM where these washers go. I had my trailing arms rebuilt so the bushings that are included in the kit I didn't need but for the life of me I can't find where these washers go. I've attached a pic of them if that helps. Thanks.

Mike

[Michael W.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

The washers are located at each end of the tube, outside of the assembled bushing.

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Ok so they go inside the frame rail where the trailing arm mounts then, right?

[Michael W.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Ok so they go inside the frame rail where the trailing arm mounts then, right?

Yes, they are part of the assembled trailing arm bushing. Looks like this when it's done

[Michael G.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

If you do not have these bushings in your rebuilt trailing arms then you will need to extract your old bushings, install the two bushing sections, put one washer(beveled side towards the head of the tube, put tube through bushings, place another washer( bevel outward) and use press to splay out tube end to fill bevel in washer securing the assembly.

[Joe R.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Installing these bushing require a specialized tool and some experience before attempting this.

You are not equipped to handle this job.

JR

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Installing these bushing require a specialized tool and some experience before attempting this.

You are not equipped to handle this job.

JR

JR------


I tend to agree.

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Ok so if I had my trailing arms restored and the bushings have been replaced then those large washers are already installed on the trailing arms, correct? I'm guessing that's why the individual washers are not seen on the AIM. Is that correct?

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

Ok so if I had my trailing arms restored and the bushings have been replaced then those large washers are already installed on the trailing arms, correct? I'm guessing that's why the individual washers are not seen on the AIM. Is that correct?

Michael------


If whoever rebuilt the trailing arms did it correctly, the washers will have already been installed. The washers are part of the bushing and retainer assembly. In fact, there's no way I know of to install the retainers (the tube that goes through the center of the bushings and holds the bushings together) without installing the washers. You will note that the washers are countersunk on one side. This is where the retainers seat.

The washers, bushings and retainers are not shown in the AIM since the trailing arm was received at St. Louis with the bushings, washers, and retainers already installed.

[Richard M.]

Re: Question on 69 trailing arm install

The old sleeves must be drilled out and bushings carefully removed. It is extremely important to NOT damage or deform the TA bushing receiver end holes and supporting metal ends in the process. Old TA's must be inspected for rust and compromised metal thickness. If the ends are rusted, thin, or damaged, replace the arms. The ends are the critical pivot point in the arm.



The TA ends MUST be supported to maintain proper cross sectional spacing difference when pressing the 2 bushings into the receiver holes using a shop press. When swedging the ends of the sleeve, you must use a special fixture tool to prevent damage to the TA end. Shown below. The 2 heavy duty flat bars are used to support and align the TA end. This keeps pressure on the sleeve, not the arm metal end. The bar is inserted into the large hole in one bar against the sleeve. A BFH is used to swedge/bevel the end of the sleeve after it is installed into the bushing assembly with the special washers.