Another rear shock install question
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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