Replace worn rear leaf spring bushings on a 1966 Corvette to restore suspension integrity and eliminate clunking or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring bushing kit (2 bushings per side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or polyurethane upgrade
• Leaf spring eye bolt (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bolts and hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, shackle bolts, and eye bolts with penetrating oil
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails securely on jack stands, leaving suspension hanging
5. Remove rear wheels for better access
6. Visually inspect leaf springs, shackles, and mounting points for damage or excessive rust

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the differential to support the weight of the axle and prevent it from dropping when spring hardware is removed. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle without lifting it.
2. 2

   Remove rear shackle hardware
   Locate the rear shackle assembly connecting the spring to the frame. Remove the 2 shackle bolts (upper frame bolt and lower spring eye bolt) using appropriate sockets. The lower bolt passes through the rear spring eye bushing. Support the shackle as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
3. 3

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   Locate the front spring eye bolt that passes through the forward spring mounting bracket on the frame. Remove the nut and drive out the bolt using a hammer and drift or socket extension. This bolt passes through the front bushing that will be replaced.
4. 4

   Lower and remove leaf spring
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle to allow the spring to separate from the axle spring pad. Once tension is released, remove the spring U-bolts securing the spring to the axle housing (4 U-bolts total, 2 per side). Remove the spring anchor plate and withdraw the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove front eye bushing
   Using a bushing press tool, C-clamp with appropriately sized sockets, or hydraulic press, press the old rubber bushing out of the front spring eye. The bushing consists of an inner metal sleeve, rubber element, and outer metal shell. Apply force to the inner sleeve to push the entire assembly out. If severely deteriorated, the bushing may need to be cut out with a hacksaw.
6. 6

   Remove rear eye bushing
   Repeat the bushing removal process for the rear spring eye bushing. The rear bushing is identical in construction to the front. Clean the inside of both spring eyes thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust, old rubber residue, and debris.
7. 7

   Install new front bushing
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the new front bushing outer shell. Using the bushing press tool or C-clamp setup, carefully press the new bushing straight into the front spring eye until it seats fully and is centered in the eye. The bushing should be flush with both sides of the spring eye. Do not use grease or petroleum-based lubricants as they can deteriorate rubber bushings.
8. 8

   Install new rear bushing
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the new rear bushing outer shell. Press the new bushing into the rear spring eye using the same method as the front, ensuring it is fully seated and centered. Verify both bushings are properly aligned before proceeding.
9. 9

   Reinstall leaf spring assembly
   Position the leaf spring back into the vehicle with the front eye aligned with the frame mounting bracket. Insert the front eye bolt through the bracket and new bushing, then install the nut finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time. Raise the floor jack under the axle to align the spring with the axle spring pad.
10. 10

    Install U-bolts and spring plate
    Position the spring anchor plate over the spring and axle, then install the 4 U-bolts. Thread nuts onto all U-bolt ends and tighten in a crisscross pattern to ensure even clamping. The spring should be centered on the axle pad.
11. 11

    Attach rear shackle assembly
    Connect the rear shackle to the rear spring eye with the lower bolt through the new bushing. Install the upper shackle bolt through the frame bracket. Install nuts on both bolts finger-tight. The shackle should move freely on the bushings at this point.
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (lower vehicle onto wheels or load suspension with jack), torque all spring mounting hardware. Torque front eye bolt nut, rear shackle bolts, and U-bolt nuts to manufacturer specifications. All spring mounting hardware must be torqued with the suspension at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the entire procedure on the opposite rear leaf spring, following steps 1 through 12. It is critical to replace bushings on both sides to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
3. Perform final torque check on all spring mounting hardware with vehicle on the ground
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation

Verification

• Visually inspect all spring mounting points to ensure hardware is tight and properly seated
• Check that leaf springs are centered on axle pads with equal spacing on both sides
• Bounce rear of vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from spring mounts
• Test drive vehicle and verify elimination of previous symptoms (clunking, loose handling, or squeaking)
• Re-torque all spring mounting hardware after 50-100 miles of driving

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