Another spring plate question

[tonythetarga]

I am in the process of doing front and rear bushings. Fronts are done and I'm ready to start the rears. All 4 shocks are currently at Bilstein getting revalved.
1) With the rear shocks off what is the best alternative for me to get an angle measurement on the rear springplate?
2) Can I leave the rear sway bar on and let the trailing arm go to its lowest point?
3) Can you give me a basic instruction on scribing the current angle? (I don't have a copy of 101 Projects and now I regret it!!)

Many thanks for assisting.

EDIT. changing t-bars also so everything is coming off the rear.

[Dixie]

1) No worries. You want the rear shocks to be disconnected.
2) Maybe, but it's so easy to disconnect, the swaybar that I’d do it.
3) Forget scribing an angle. Go to your local hardware store and buy an angle gauge. They're like $10.00. Take the rear trailing bolt and spacer off the retaining cup. Then unbolt the spring arm from the banana arm. After that measure the angle of the fully unloaded spring arm before you take it off. When you reinstall it, set it at the same angle.

And speaking of scribing and banana arms... Take a pencil and draw the outline of the end of the spring arm onto the banana arm. It will help immeasurably when you bolt things back together.

Edit to match your edit: You really need the angle gauge. Heavier t-bars will need to be set at a different angle.

[tonythetarga]

Thanks Rob,
Just got back from Home Depot and got an angle gauge for $7.97.
Your info, plus some other stuff I got by searching has put it together for me.
When I re-assemble I want to get it close enough to drive it to the shop for a full alignment, ride height and corner balance.
Thanks again.

[Chuck Moreland]

You need to measure the angle with the spring disconnected from the trailing, completely drooping at a relaxed position.

[tonythetarga]

Thanks Chuck,
BTW, my pb bushings in the front went in like butter. Can't wait for early May at Watkins Glen.