Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

[Robert W.]

Hi,

I have a fully assembled rear end from Ikerds that I want to install on a new C2 frame/chassis. The trailing arms are pulled in too far to easily insert into the frame pockets. With the spring installed, it seems there is too much "binding" in the assembly to get it installed. Do I need to release the rear spring (very carefully) at the bushings and then reassemble after installation? Thank You!

[Leif A.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Robert,
The spring shouldn't be torqued prior to installation on the chassis, with the body on and the car on the ground. Loosen up whatever you need to install the assembly and don't tighten to spec until he car is complete and on the ground.

[Robert W.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Thanks Leif, I'm betting they just assemble it for shipping purposes then. I know the factory assembly process installed them "with the ends free" too. -Bob

[Timothy B.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Bob,

If you find yourself fighting the spring put a ratchet strap around the crossmember and spring then tighten and remove the spring from the trailing arm on both sides. Install the arms in the spring pockets and shim equally on the sides then re-attach the spring.

Pay attention to Leif's post regarding final tightening of the four inner spring mount bolts as well as the trailing arm bushing bolt, do this after the full weight of the car is on the ground.

[Page C.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

After I pulled the spring up with a floor jack and connected the trailing arm bolts to the spring, I used 2 pieces of 1/2 chain about 14 inches long and installed them in place on the shocks. This keeps the 1/2 shafts at normal ride height until you get the body back on the chassis.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Roy Sinor asked me to post this article he wrote for the Restorer many, many moons ago!

[Mike M.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

enjoyed the old photo of roy-boy and roy-man together again. the elder was a hell of a man. mike. oh, so is the junior.

[Mark L.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

That's the procedure I used to install mine during restoration. Worked well!

[Dick W.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

enjoyed the old photo of roy-boy and roy-man together again. the elder was a hell of a man. mike. oh, so is the junior.

I will second that comment

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

enjoyed the old photo of roy-boy and roy-man together again. the elder was a hell of a man. mike. oh, so is the junior.

But Roy-boy was good looking then!!!!!

[Roy S.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Thank You guys for the kind comments, I wasn't trying to hijack this thread I just remember how much we struggled in our restorations before we discovered how to hook the rear spring up without all the makeshift in my view semi dangerous motions that were we thought necessary. Once we discovered this obvious design feature in the frame one of our major recurring problems was solved.

I'm proud to be known by some of you as Roy Boy, that's a testimony to the man who came before me, and while we had some serious Father and Son discussions the memories are forever seared on the circuit boards and I look forward to our rendezvous in the future.

Oh yea, Vinnie(can't print his nick name-computer will block it) I bet you looked considerably better 35 plus years ago also!!!!

[Robert W.]

Re: Is there a safe way to install a completely assembled C2 rear end on bare frame?

Thank you everyone! I got the rear end in and aligned (thanks in large part to Duke Williams posts on alignment techniques). It wasn't too difficult after following your suggestions, just took some time... And as for "hijacking" the thread, these comments were pure gold!