French Locks

[Paul A.]

[Leif A.]

Re: French Locks

Paul,
Inboard half shaft universals use lock washers. The flange end (at the trailing arm) use French locks. They need to be torqued to 70 lb ft and, yes, the standard steel french locks will twist/deform before reaching 70 lb ft. Use the stainless steel French locks and you won't have that problem.

[Paul A.]

Re: French Locks

Leif, As stated my vette has neither! I will install lock washers in inner universals and SS FL on outer. Although 70 lbs seems like a lot for those small bolts. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Paul A.]

772999A2-1CDD-470D-9DBC-0090E3A50F41.jpg

[Leif A.]

Re: French Locks

Paul,
Picture below of the half-shaft u-joint grade 8 cap bolts and heavy duty lock washers.
Also, a picture of the torque spec for the outer flange grade 8 bolts from the AIM.

[Leif A.]

Re: French Locks

Paul,
Just as an FYI, this is a pretty handy torque list.

Corvette Torque Specifications
1963 – 1982

Brakes:
Caliper Mounting Bolt - Front..........70.........5/8
Caliper Mounting Bolt - Rear ..........70.........5/8
Caliper Housing Bolts - Front.........130........13/16
Caliper Housing Bolts - Rear ..........60.........5/8

Rear Suspension:
T-Arm Front Toe-In Shims.............50+*.......5/8 & 11/16 nut
Spring Retainer To Rear End ..........70.........13/16 bolt (de arch spring)
U-Joint (inner) U-Bolts...................15.........9/16 nut
U-Joint (inner) Caps......................30.........9/16 bolt
U-Joint (outer) Flange Bolts............75.........5/8 (use locks)
Strut Rod (Inner) Camber Bolt .......70*........3/4 nut
Strut Rod (outer) Shock Mount .....75+* .......15/16 nut
Shock Absorber (upper) Bolt ...........60..........5/8 & 11/16 nut
Shock Absorber (lower) Nut ............40..........3/4
Bearing Housing to T-Arm ...............30..........9/16 nut
Spindle Nut ...................................100+. .......11/16
Warning: If the assembly was not properly set-up, tightening the spindle nut
will load the bearings and cause imminent bearing failure.

Wheels:
Rally Wheels (steel).........................75...... ....3/4
Optional Wheels (aluminum) ...........80*.........3/4 (re-torque at 100 mi.)

Front Suspension:
Upper A-Frame Bushing Bolt .........35*........9/16
Upper A-Frame Align, Shim Nut......50.........11/16
Lower A-Frame Fr. Mtg. Bolts ........70.........5/8
Lower A-Frame Rear Mounting......100........7/8 & 13/16 nut
Steering Arm to Spindle ................70.........3/4 Nuts (63-68, 11/16)
Ball Joint (upper) .........................45+........3/4 nut
Ball Joint (lower) .........................75+........7/8 nut
Ball Joint (replacement bolts) .........25.........1/2

Carrier:
Front Brackets to Frame ...............65.........5/8 & 11/16 nut
Front Brackets to Housing ............50+........5/8 & 11/16 nut
Strut Rod Bracket Bolts ................35.........9/16 (use locktite)
Rear Cover Bolts..........................50....... ..5/8
Filler Plug ....................................20
+ plus additional torque when necessary to align cotter pin hole
* tighten bushings only when arms are at riding height

[Paul A.]