Trailing arm removal

[Joe Browne]

I have a 73 that im parting out and id like to take the trailing arm out. I have the brakes off already but im not quite sure what to take off to remove the arm. I want to take them off so i can box the and put them on the other 73 i have.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[halbl]

The Haynes manual is a fair start. Obviously you have to disconnect everything, including the axels. THere is a step to be careful about, the removal of the trailing arm at it's forward connection. There are three long bolts that attach the railing arm to the chassis on to ouside of the car on both sides. These bolts are about 3-4" long and thread into a capture nut on top of the housing. If the top has fractured or somehow let moisture in then the bolt may be seized with rust. If you twist one of these bolts off you are in for an unhappy removal of the broken bolt and/or difficult repair. Try tightening the bolt first to break it loose. If it doesn't tighten, you haven't lost anything and know it is seized. Be most careful if you use power tools (not recommended!) as you have no feel for the bolt. If it is seized, "round up the usual suspects", and solutions. Apply penetrating fluid from top and be patient. If is does tighten a bit and you start removing the nut continue to be careful because a small particle of rust can cause a cross-thread and seize the bolt on the way out. Another reason to be careful with power tools. Yep, I know. One seized on mine, part way out. Another post on this site discusses the difficulty of removing the hubs. I am not convinced "boxing" is the complete solution to stiffness. I have a set to install but it seems three sides leaves room for flex on the fourth side. I'll yield to experience of others on that score.