Strut rod bracket bolts missing-update

[Jeffrey S.]

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the grinding noise coming from the left rear wheel and found that all 4 bolts holding the strut rod bracket had fallen out on my '69. I finally had some time to replace the 4 missing and reattach the strut rods. Originally I had a lot of trouble aligning the inner end into the bracket. So here is the secret that made the job very easy. Place a floor jack under the spring bolt and raise the spring until the head of the bolt contacts the trailing arm. Now the trailing arm assembly will rotate up and out so the holes and slot of the struts will fall into place. just go up or down to get the alignment you need. Maybe this will help someone else down the road. The best news is that the car rides perfectly with no noise and it tracks straight and true. Thanks all for your help!!!
Jeff

[Larry M.]

Re: Strut rod bracket bolts missing-update

Jeff:

I learned a similar lesson recently re-doing the rear suspension on my 1967. The key is getting the rear suspension parts at "riding height" while still having the car supported on jack stands. At normal "riding height", all the rear suspension parts seem to fit together rather easily. If the suspension is hanging loose, nothing seems to fit right.

I guess those that have done this job a few times know all this, but for us guys that do it once every 10-15 years, it is a continuing learning experience.

Thanks for sharing.

Larry