C2 Suspension Assembly

[Jim D.]

I've just completed the restoration of my 1966 chassis and getting ready to drop the body back on it. My question is regarding the suspension, at this time none of the suspension (front & back) has been torqued down. Do I need to wait for the body to be on the chassis to do this or can I do it before the body is installed on the chassis? Also, the body is currently completed gutted of all parts, not sure if this will make a difference.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Suspension Assembly

I would recommend that you get the body and contents placed on the chassis before you torque the suspension components. Let evrything "settle" out and then tighten tthings up. The idea is to have these components in a "neutral" state before torquing.

[David H.]

Re: C2 Suspension Assembly

Jim

At Assembly Line end, that “bump” is to help suspension settle. A couple “bumps” to your suspension would help before torquing.

Dave

[John D.]

Re: C2 Suspension Assembly

Not sure how settling would impact suspension torque at all as all those fasteners are completely torqued at assembly in the chassis department at the plant. The jounce bumps at the end of the line are to settle the springs prior to wheel alignment and roll test.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Suspension Assembly

Did Gm compress the suspension on the chassis assembly line to "ride hieght" specs and then torque the bolts in question????

[Mark F.]

Re: C2 Suspension Assembly

Did Gm compress the suspension on the chassis assembly line to "ride hieght" specs and then torque the bolts in question????

Yes.

Per John Hinckley's C2 Assembly Process Presentation (available in the Database of Restoration Documents [DoRD] Sticky Post), here's what he said about Factory Suspension Torque steps (FUD stands for Frame Upside Down line):

FUD-4	Apply rear hub locating/sensing fixtures (which set rear suspension at normal ride height), adjust cam bolts on strut rods to obtain green camber lights and torque cam bolts. Note trailing arm toe-in shim pack required for green lights, install shim packs and install and torque pivot bolts.
FUD-5	Install rear shocks, apply compression fixture to spring, install spring-to-trailing arm link bolts, cushions, washers and nuts, and release compression fixture.
FUD-6	Install front hub/caliper/knuckle assembly to upper ball joint, torque and insert cotter pin. Position front spring to frame pocket and lower control arm pocket, apply compression fixture to set suspension at normal ride height, and attach bottom of knuckle to lower ball joint, torque, and insert cotter pin. Mash upper and lower cotter pins down over nuts for fixture clearance.
FUD-7	Apply front hub caster/camber fixtures to upper and lower ball stud extensions, cycle tool to green lights, stuff-shim resulting gaps at upper control arm shaft-to-frame studs, and final-torque upper control arm shaft attaching nuts and lower control arm shaft end retainer bolts.