Help! Strut Rod Install

[Jeffrey S.]

I had new bushings put in my strut rods and now I'm trying to re-install them. I am following the shop manual procedure. The car is on my lift that has the suspension fully unloaded- the wheel are up off the ground. After installing the inner end to the bracket loosely attached to the differential, as per the manual, the wheel end is not even close to going in. What proceedure do you all use to get them in? What am I missing?
Jeff

[Robert P.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Jeff , i would think putting the strut rod on the shock mount first and then pulling it over with a ratchet strap would work
Bob

[Leif A.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Jeff,
The issue you're having is being exacerbated by the fully unloaded suspension. This job is much easier using a drive on lift where the suspension sits at normal ride height. You're going to need to unload the suspension. Remove both rear tire, disconnect the spring at both ends, raise the trailing arm...and, then it should be doable. Don't forget to have your camber reset when complete.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Leif is correct. It's easier to do with the car sitting on the suspension, or at least having the suspension "as if" it was on the ground.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Thanks for your advise.
Bob: I thought of that but am afraid that I will bend the rod. Is there enough flex in the bushings to avoid bending?
Lief and Patrick: I know that you are right because when I removed them I had to "unload" the suspension by jacking up by the the tires to free up both the rods and the shock. I was really hoping that I didn't have to unbolt the spring! I will try lowering the car so a jack can be put under the shock mount and raising the suspension to get it aligned. Worst case I will unbolt the spring. The last time I did this 11 years ago I was on my back under the car on jack stands and I got it done. Getting older and dummer I guess.
Jeff

[Leif A.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Jeff,
Another thought. You might consider putting the tires back on, lower the car to the ground, roll the car out and back about 20-30 feet to "set" the rear suspension then insert some wooden wedges into the rear trailing arm pocket (where the toe shims are located). Then, you should be able to raise the car, remove the tires and the trailing arms will be held in place, as though the car were still on the ground.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Jeff,
Another thought. You might consider putting the tires back on, lower the car to the ground, roll the car out and back about 20-30 feet to "set" the rear suspension then insert some wooden wedges into the rear trailing arm pocket (where the toe shims are located). Then, you should be able to raise the car, remove the tires and the trailing arms will be held in place, as though the car were still on the ground.

Or, lower it down and install them on the ground….

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Lief, Patrick- Thanks for your responses. I will try a few things tomorrow. I think I have it figured out. As the trailing arm is raised, the strut rod mount at the spindle moves in an arc and moves closer to the rear of the car until the half shafts are parallel to the ground. Somewhere in that arc the rod and mount will line up. With the suspension fully unloaded the trailing arm is pointing downward at the rear and the mount position is forward. By rotating it moves rearward. At least in theory. I will let you all know what happens. And thanks again for your help. Would it be bad to raise the trailing arm by the half shaft or would that damage something?
Jeff

[Leif A.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Lief, Patrick- Thanks for your responses. I will try a few things tomorrow. I think I have it figured out. As the trailing arm is raised, the strut rod mount at the spindle moves in an arc and moves closer to the rear of the car until the half shafts are parallel to the ground. Somewhere in that arc the rod and mount will line up. With the suspension fully unloaded the trailing arm is pointing downward at the rear and the mount position is forward. By rotating it moves rearward. At least in theory. I will let you all know what happens. And thanks again for your help. Would it be bad to raise the trailing arm by the half shaft or would that damage something?
Jeff

Yes, it would be.

[Scott P.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

Jeffery, the method that works for me is to put the SRs into their outer shock mount bolts, leaving them loose, easy to move up & down. Then installing them into the strut rod bracket with their adjustment bolt loose. Jack the bracket up to the differential while aligning the bolt holes with two big round screwdrivers. Now you can put in a bolt and then the others.
Since I dont have a lift and work on the floor this works for me. Scott

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

SUCCESS!! Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I put the car down on all fours and it took less than 10 minutes to do each side- the rods just slipped right in. Attached is a photo of the completed job. The lift I have is a drive on with the center sections that raises the car leaving the wheels free. Putting the car down on the drive on ramps, there was plenty of room to get under and put everything together and torque the fasteners. Now I just need to roll the car and get the camber right.
Jeff

[Tony S.]

Re: Help! Strut Rod Install

I had new bushings put in my strut rods and now I'm trying to re-install them. I am following the shop manual procedure. The car is on my lift that has the suspension fully unloaded- the wheel are up off the ground. After installing the inner end to the bracket loosely attached to the differential, as per the manual, the wheel end is not even close to going in. What proceedure do you all use to get them in? What am I missing?
Jeff

While your car is on the lift, install the strut rods on the inboard side. Then place a transmission stand or some other platform under the rear tire (or trailing arm). Slowly lower your car so that the tire (or trailing arm) comes into contact with your transmission stand. Your tire will stay in place while your car slowly lowers. Once it is in the correct position, the outboard end of the strut rod will align to the lower shock mount. Put the outboard side of the strut rod in place. You may need to use a rubber mallet to gently pursuade it into place onto the lower shock mount. It works for me every time. Good luck! Tony