Trailing Arm Install Questions, Camber Shim and Washer Options

[DennisV]

Is this the correct placement for the camber alignment shim on the rear trailing arm? it seems weird to me that it sticks off at the corner like that, but I can't find any other orientation that allow 3 bolt holes to line up.



Does the washer go on the trailing arm side of the body tab, as opposed to the nut side?


Thank you.

[bkrantz]

I can't get my head upside down to picture the shims, but in theory/practice they can be slid in or out from the side, with one bolt removed.

[Ishley]

Yes to both. The only thing I did different was to use locking nuts from
McMaster Carr. I found the inside nut would loosen as I drove the car… and this was recommended by others. I haven’t had the issue since I added these nuts.

I get under the car from time to time and just check that everything is still tight. Something to consider after you drive a bit. You’ll also want to get a wheel alignment.

https://www.mcmaster.com/product/93795A335

They are single use nuts… so I have a pack of 8 more if I ever need it.

[DennisV]

Yes to both. The only thing I did different was to use locking nuts from

Thank you for the confirmation and tip on the lock nuts.

[Cfletch]

I will be doing this install in the next week on my car along with torquing the axle nut to 250 to clamp down the assembly to be ready for brakes. You are asking all the questions I had in my head about this. My car did not have the washer at all on the trailing are and I am wondering why.... yikes!

[Montreal914]

Humm... Interesting (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Am I understanding correctly what is being said here is that the washer should be placed between the rubber bushing flange (shaft end) and the suspension ear?

I have never seen this washer in between the arm's rubber bushing and the suspension ear on my car. I always thought the pivot shaft serrations were supposed to grab on the surface of the suspension ear to prevent the shaft from rotating (although that is a lot to ask).

Picture below shows the serration marks from the shaft to the suspension ear and rubbing of the rubber bushing against the metal, which seens to be what it would be designed for.

@bdstone914 , @mepstein , please share your recollection of that assembled area, thanks!

[Superhawk996]

I have never seen this washer in between the arm's rubber bushing and the suspension ear on my car. I always thought the pivot shaft serrations were supposed to grab on the surface of the suspension ear to prevent the shaft from rotating (although that is a lot to ask).

You are correct

[mepstein]

I have never seen this washer in between the arm's rubber bushing and the suspension ear on my car. I always thought the pivot shaft serrations were supposed to grab on the surface of the suspension ear to prevent the shaft from rotating (although that is a lot to ask).

You are correct

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Ishley]

Yea I guess I wasn’t clear. I didn’t pickup the second comment in between the images. I was saying yes to the orientation of the shim and yes it does stick out a little bit.

There are no washers between the bushings and their mounts. The nuts clamp the rubber bushings between the splines/bushings and the rubber twists as the swing arm moves. Sorry if that was not clear. .

[bkrantz]

Humm... Interesting (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Am I understanding correctly what is being said here is that the washer should be placed between the rubber bushing flange (shaft end) and the suspension ear?

I have never seen this washer in between the arm's rubber bushing and the suspension ear on my car. I always thought the pivot shaft serrations were supposed to grab on the surface of the suspension ear to prevent the shaft from rotating (although that is a lot to ask).

Picture below shows the serration marks from the shaft to the suspension ear and rubbing of the rubber bushing against the metal, which seens to be what it would be designed for.

@bdstone914 , @mepstein , please share your recollection of that assembled area, thanks!

Is that a patch of peeling paint on the mounting arm above the pivot hole? Or something worse?

[DennisV]

I have never seen this washer in between the arm's rubber bushing and the suspension ear on my car. I always thought the pivot shaft serrations were supposed to grab on the surface of the suspension ear to prevent the shaft from rotating (although that is a lot to ask).

What I'm reading now is that the washer goes on the nut side? Good catch.


Wish the workshop manual was more clear. It's in a photo, but no description of its correct position.

Argh! Disappointing to be learning this now. It was a struggle getting the control arms installed. Guess I will get more practice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[Montreal914]

Sorry Dennis, it has been bugging me for a few days but I didn't have a chance to raise the question sooner...

Second time should be a breeze! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sunglasses.gif) Good luck and continue sharing the progress! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Literati914]

Yes to both. The only thing I did different was to use locking nuts from
McMaster Carr. I found the inside nut would loosen as I drove the car… and this was recommended by others. I haven’t had the issue since I added these nuts.

I get under the car from time to time and just check that everything is still tight. Something to consider after you drive a bit. You’ll also want to get a wheel alignment.

https://www.mcmaster.com/product/93795A335

They are single use nuts… so I have a pack of 8 more if I ever need it.

Love these kinds of tips, thanks!.. I'm gonna grab a pack of them now. Do you used them at item #24 ..AND the #29 spot?