JohnGibson

I have my rear suspension all taken apart on my 66 to replace with all new stuff. What I am wanting to know is, what order should I do for the install?

My plan of attack is to
1) Install New spring
2) Strut Rod Shaft and Strut Rod
3) Shocks
4) Torque Camber Bolts when on Ground

Let me know if this sounds like a good plan. I hope to start the process next week if weather cooperates. I also replacing everything on the front suspension and want to get input on my plan for that in another post.

Thanks in advance.

LB66383

You don't want to torque the four bolts holding the spring to the diff until the car is on the ground and most of the arch is out of the spring.

JohnZ

You can add to that:

Inner strut rod (cam bolt) attachments.

Trailing arm pivot bushing bolts.

Rear shock lower attachment.

All of these requirements are shown clearly in the Assembly Manual, and are essential for rubber bushing durability.

A-Snake

As far as the order, install the strut rod before the spring. Once tension is on the spring, it will be very difficult to install the strut rod.

JohnGibson

Luckily my TA bushings/bolts are in good shape so wasn't planning on changing those (must have been done by previous owner). Isn't the shock lower attachment also called strut rod shaft (both attach to it)?

As for the updated order of my install:

1)Install strut rod shaft/shock attachment with strut rod (torque castle nut/install cotter pin)
2)Install strut rod carrier and strut rod/retainers (torque bolts to carrier only)
3)Install shocks (torque bolts)
4)Install spring to carrier and trailing arm
5)Torque spring carrier bolts, strut cam bolts when at ride height

Does this sound correct?