Replacement of the rear suspension lateral arm (track rod) on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension, connecting the differential carrier to the frame.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (track rod) assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for C2 Corvette IRS
• Lateral arm mounting bushings (if not included with arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lock washers for lateral arm bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock front wheels securely in both directions.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential carrier.
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind the rear crossmember.
6. Remove both rear wheels and set aside.
7. Spray all lateral arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes soak time.
8. Position a floor jack under the differential carrier with a block of wood to protect the housing, supporting its weight but not lifting.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the lateral arm
   Identify the lateral arm (strut rod) running outboard from the differential carrier toward the rear spindle/knuckle support on the passenger side. This is a straight rod with bushings at each end. Confirm the exact routing and attachment points against a 1966 Corvette IRS service manual before proceeding, as the C2 strut rod connects the differential carrier to the spindle support rather than to a frame bracket.
2. 2

   Support differential carrier
   Verify the floor jack under the differential carrier is positioned securely with slight upward pressure to support the assembly weight. This prevents the carrier from shifting when the lateral arm is removed.
3. 3

   Remove frame bracket mounting bolt
   Locate the bolt securing the lateral arm to the frame bracket on the passenger side. Using a wrench to hold the nut and a socket with breaker bar on the bolt head, loosen and remove the bolt, lock washer, and nut. Verify the exact fastener size against the 1966 Corvette factory service manual before sourcing tools. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove differential carrier mounting bolt
   Locate the bolt securing the lateral arm to the bracket on the differential carrier. Using a wrench to hold the nut and a socket with breaker bar on the bolt head, loosen and remove the bolt, lock washer, and nut. Verify the exact fastener size against the 1966 Corvette factory service manual before sourcing tools. The lateral arm may need to be pried slightly to relieve binding pressure as the bolt is removed.
5. 5

   Remove lateral arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, pull the lateral arm away from the frame bracket first, then maneuver it out from the differential carrier bracket. The rubber bushings may require some twisting or prying to free from their mounting brackets. Inspect the mounting brackets on both the frame and carrier for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes in both the frame bracket and differential carrier bracket. Remove any rust, debris, or old rubber from bushing contact surfaces. Inspect both brackets for cracks, elongated holes, or deformation. Replace brackets if damage is found.
7. 7

   Prepare new lateral arm
   Inspect the new lateral arm for proper bushing installation and freedom from defects. If bushings are separate components, press or install them per manufacturer instructions. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt shafts (not threads) to prevent future corrosion and ease removal.
8. 8

   Install lateral arm to differential carrier
   Position the new lateral arm into the bracket on the differential carrier first. Insert the mounting bolt from the inboard side through the bracket, lateral arm bushing, and opposite bracket. Thread the lock washer and nut onto the bolt but do not tighten fully. Leave loose enough for the arm to pivot.
9. 9

   Install lateral arm to frame bracket
   While supporting the lateral arm, align the frame bracket end with the mounting bracket on the passenger side frame rail. Insert the mounting bolt from the forward side through the bracket, lateral arm bushing, and opposite bracket. Thread the lock washer and nut onto the bolt but do not tighten fully.
10. 10

    Position differential carrier to load suspension
    Using the floor jack under the differential carrier, carefully raise the carrier until the suspension reaches normal ride height position. This loads the lateral arm bushings in their operating position before final torque. The half-shafts should be approximately level with the ground at this point.
    ⚠Do not over-lift the differential carrier. Stop when suspension reaches normal ride height to avoid damaging half-shaft CV joints or other suspension components.
11. 11

    Torque frame bracket mounting bolt
    With suspension at ride height, use a torque wrench and socket on the bolt head while holding the nut with a wrench. Torque the frame bracket mounting bolt to the factory specification listed in the 1966 Corvette service manual. Verify the lock washer is properly seated.
12. 12

    Torque differential carrier mounting bolt
    Using a torque wrench and socket on the bolt head while holding the nut with a wrench, torque the differential carrier bracket mounting bolt to the factory specification listed in the 1966 Corvette service manual. Verify the lock washer is properly seated. Check that the lateral arm can flex slightly in its bushings but has no excessive play.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and reinstall wheels
    Carefully lower the floor jack from under the differential carrier. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to the factory specification (approximately 70-80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern, verifying against the 1966 Corvette service manual.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with the vehicle at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the rear suspension area before driving.
3. The lateral arm bushings may take 50-100 miles to fully seat and settle.

Verification

• Visually inspect both lateral arm mounting bolts to confirm they are fully torqued and lock washers are properly seated.
• Check for any interference between the lateral arm and surrounding components through full suspension travel by pushing down on rear bumper.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues.
• After 50 miles of driving, re-check torque on both lateral arm mounting bolts.
• Have front and rear wheel alignment checked by a qualified shop, as lateral arm replacement affects rear toe alignment.

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