Another rear shock install question

74er · 06-06-2007, 04:07 AM

I have refreshed / replaced the rear suspension components in my '74 and need some advice on rear shock install. Some background is I used Neatrix bushings, 28mm torsion bar and Bilstein HD shocks. After installing the spring plates I measured the angle to 21 degrees. After tightenign up the torsion bar cover the spring plates changes to ~24 degrees? I have the shock mounted to the top and the bottom is about an inch and a half above the trailing arm bolt hole. Tried to jack up the trailing arm but it wouldn't lift up enough to reach the shock. I do have the engine out so it is pretty light. Is this just a matter of adding weight or engine in order to mount the lower portion of the shock? I can already tell those torsion bars are going to make a difference. I have searched and know the importance of not cross threading the new lower shock bolts.

74-911 · 06-06-2007, 05:34 AM

Assume you have the shock extended as far as it will go?

If the rear end is lifting as you jack up the trailing arm, I would get a "heavy" friend or two to sit on the bumper.

tonythetarga · 06-06-2007, 06:16 AM

Do you have the sway bar connected? If yes, you should disconnect and have both wheels off the floor so that you can jack each trailing arm independantly.

74er · 06-06-2007, 06:49 AM

Yes, shocks are extended. At the time I don't have a rear sway bar but that is a good point. Looks like I'll need to 'add a friend' to the bumper. Is there any danger to placing the wheels on and adding weight to the bumper until the shocks line up with the trailing arm? Don't know if a friend would feel too good about being jacked up.
Thanks

74-911 · 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 74er
Yes, shocks are extended. At the time I don't have a rear sway bar but that is a good point. Looks like I'll need to 'add a friend' to the bumper. Is there any danger to placing the wheels on and adding weight to the bumper until the shocks line up with the trailing arm? Don't know if a friend would feel too good about being jacked up.
Thanks

I think it would be easier to line the bolt up using a jack to control the trailing arm movement rather than using weight to move the car itself up and down. AS I recall when I replaced my rear shocks, i put the tires on, let the car down, then used a jack to raise the trailing arm. I also had the engine in to provide weight to hold the car down.

74er · 06-06-2007, 08:23 AM

Good idea. Consider it done!.......how many times have I said that.