This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension, requiring disassembly of the rear suspension control arms and pressing out/in new bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear upper control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear lower control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails, not under the rear axle or suspension components
5. Remove both rear wheels
6. Spray all control arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
7. Take photos of shim locations and control arm orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension knuckle
   Position a floor jack under the rear wheel spindle/knuckle assembly on the side being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the spindle to support the weight of the suspension components. This prevents the suspension from dropping when control arm bolts are removed and reduces tension on the transverse leaf spring.
2. 2

   Disconnect the rear strut rod
   Locate the strut rod (radius rod) that connects from the differential carrier to the rear spindle support. Remove the bolt securing the strut rod to the spindle support bracket. The strut rod has a single mounting bolt at the rear spindle end. Retain any washers or spacers in order.
3. 3

   Mark and remove upper control arm
   Using paint marker or masking tape, mark the exact position of any alignment shims at both the frame mount and spindle support ends of the upper control arm. There are 2 bolts securing the upper control arm: one at the frame bracket and one at the rear spindle support. Remove both bolts and carefully remove the upper control arm. Keep all shims organized and labeled by location (inboard/outboard) and position (front/rear of bolt).
4. 4

   Mark and remove lower control arm
   Mark the position of any alignment shims at both ends of the lower control arm using the same method as the upper arm. Remove the 2 bolts securing the lower control arm: one at the frame bracket and one at the rear spindle support. Carefully lower the jack slightly if needed to relieve tension, then remove the lower control arm. Keep all shims organized and labeled.
5. 5

   Inspect control arms and prepare for bushing removal
   With control arms on workbench, clean the bushing areas thoroughly with wire brush and solvent. Inspect the control arm shells for cracks, deformation, or excessive corrosion. Measure the inside diameter of the bushing bores to verify they are not wallowed out or damaged. Replace the control arm if structural damage is present.
6. 6

   Remove old bushings from control arms
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate bushing removal tool or driver set, press out the old rubber bushings from each control arm. Position the control arm on press bed with support on the arm structure (not on thin edges). Center the removal tool on the bushing outer shell and apply steady pressure. The bushing should press out along with its outer metal sleeve. If bushings are severely bonded, heating the control arm eye with a torch (avoiding direct flame on rubber) may help, but be cautious not to damage the arm.
7. 7

   Clean bushing bores
   After old bushings are removed, thoroughly clean the inside diameter of each control arm bushing bore using wire brush, emery cloth, and solvent. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and corrosion. The bore must be clean and smooth for proper bushing installation. Inspect for cracks or deformation that would prevent proper bushing seating.
8. 8

   Install new bushings in control arms
   Verify that new bushings are correct for application (upper vs lower, frame end vs spindle end if different). Position new bushing squarely in the control arm bore with any orientation markings or voids aligned per manufacturer instructions. Using hydraulic press and appropriate installation tool, press the new bushing straight into the bore until the bushing outer shell is fully seated and flush with or at the specified depth in the control arm eye. Apply even pressure and ensure bushing does not cock or deform during installation. Repeat for all 4 bushing positions (both ends of upper and lower arms).
9. 9

   Reinstall lower control arm
   Position the lower control arm back into place with the spindle support end first. Insert the mounting bolt through the spindle support, control arm, and any shims in their original marked positions. Start the bolt but do not fully tighten. Move to the frame end and install the frame mounting bolt through the frame bracket, shims in original positions, and control arm. Start bolt but do not fully tighten. Leave both bolts loose enough to allow suspension movement.
10. 10

    Reinstall upper control arm
    Position the upper control arm into place between the frame bracket and spindle support bracket. Install the spindle support bolt through the bracket, control arm, and original shims in marked positions. Start the bolt but do not tighten. Install the frame mounting bolt through frame bracket, shims, and control arm in original configuration. Start bolt but do not tighten. Both bolts should remain loose at this stage.
11. 11

    Reconnect strut rod
    Align the rear end of the strut rod with the mounting bracket on the spindle support. Install the mounting bolt with any original washers or spacers in proper order. Snug the bolt but do not torque yet. The strut rod may need to be levered slightly to align the bolt holes.
12. 12

    Load suspension to ride height
    Using the floor jack under the spindle/knuckle, raise the suspension until the rear wheel would be at normal ride height (typically when the suspension is at the mid-point of its travel or slightly above). This simulates the vehicle weight and ensures control arm bushings are torqued at the correct angle. Verify the transverse leaf spring appears at normal loaded position.
13. 13

    Torque all control arm and strut rod fasteners
    With suspension at ride height, torque all control arm bolts and strut rod bolts to specification. Torque all rear suspension fasteners to the factory specifications listed in the 1966 Corvette Shop Manual (verify each value before assembly). Do not rely on generic estimates for the trailing arm, strut rod, and spring fasteners. Torque frame end bolts first, then spindle support end bolts. This is critical: control arm bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure and binding.
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Lower jack from first side. Move jack to opposite side spindle and repeat steps 1 through 13 for the other rear control arms. Ensure all shims are returned to their original positions on both sides to maintain alignment settings.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to the factory specification (verify in the 1966 Corvette Shop Manual) in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and perform bounce test on rear suspension to verify no binding or unusual noises. Check that suspension cycles smoothly through its travel.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment shims are reinstalled in their exact original positions to maintain rear wheel alignment
2. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with suspension at ride height, never at full droop
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the suspension area
4. Check that strut rod, upper control arm, and lower control arm all move freely without binding

Verification

• Bounce the rear of the vehicle and listen for any clunking, binding, or unusual noises from the control arm areas
• Visually inspect all control arm mounting points to verify bolts are tight and components are properly seated
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify smooth suspension operation without pulling or vibration
• Schedule four-wheel alignment as soon as possible, as rear suspension disassembly will affect camber and toe settings even with shims returned to original positions

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