This procedure removes and replaces the rear lower control arm on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension, requiring disconnection of suspension components and proper support of the rear differential carrier.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Control arm pivot bolt bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut rod bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential carrier
5. Place jack stands under frame rails at approved jacking points behind rear wheels
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands ensuring frame is securely supported
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
8. Spray penetrating oil on all control arm fasteners and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the differential carrier
   Position a transmission jack or sturdy adjustable jack stand directly under the differential carrier (center section of rear axle assembly). Raise jack until it just contacts the carrier with minimal load. This will prevent the carrier from dropping when the control arm is disconnected. The carrier must remain supported throughout this procedure.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt where it attaches to the lower control arm. Using a 15/16 inch socket and ratchet, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and washer. Push the shock absorber upward out of the way and secure it with wire or a bungee cord to prevent it from hanging on the brake line.
3. 3

   Disconnect strut rod from spindle support
   The strut rod (camber rod) runs laterally (transversely) between the differential carrier and the spindle support, controlling rear wheel camber. At the spindle support end (rear), remove the single mounting bolt using a 9/16 inch socket. Note the position and orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly. The strut rod will remain attached to the control arm pivot.
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect tie rod end
   The 1966 Corvette rear suspension is not steered and has no rear tie rod ends. Rear camber is set by shims at the strut rod inner mount; note and retain any camber adjustment shims if the strut rod is disturbed, but no tie rod disconnection is required.
5. 5

   Remove control arm-to-spindle support bolt
   Locate the fasteners securing the spindle (wheel bearing) support to the outer end of the trailing arm. Verify the correct socket size against the factory service manual before loosening, and support the spindle support to prevent it from dropping when separated. You may need to support the spindle support with your free hand or a strap to prevent it from dropping when the bolt is removed.
6. 6

   Remove control arm-to-frame pivot bolt
   At the forward (frame) end of the trailing arm, locate the pivot bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the arm bushing. Verify the correct socket size against the factory service manual, then remove the nut from the inboard side using a breaker bar. Drive or tap the pivot bolt out using a brass drift if necessary. The strut rod bracket is integrated with this pivot on some assemblies.
7. 7

   Remove lower control arm
   With both pivot points disconnected, carefully work the lower control arm out of the frame bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to shift the differential carrier slightly on the jack to create clearance. Maneuver the control arm forward and downward to clear the spring and other components. The strut rod may still be attached to the arm at the frame pivot point.
8. 8

   Inspect bushings and mounting points
   Inspect the bushings in the removed control arm and the bushings at the strut rod connection points. Check for cracking, deterioration, or excessive play. Inspect the frame mounting brackets for damage, cracks, or elongated bolt holes. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush and inspect the threads on all bolt holes.
9. 9

   Install new control arm to frame
   Position the new lower control arm into the frame mounting bracket, aligning the bushing with the bracket holes. If the strut rod was removed separately, reconnect it to the control arm pivot point first. Insert the frame pivot bolt through the bracket and control arm bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not fully tighten yet—suspension fasteners must be torqued at ride height.
10. 10

    Connect control arm to spindle support
    Raise or adjust the transmission jack supporting the differential carrier to align the outer end of the lower control arm with the spindle support mounting hole. You may need to use a pry bar or jack adjustments to align the holes. Insert the control arm-to-spindle bolt and thread the nut, but do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Reconnect strut rod to spindle support
    Position the strut rod end into the mounting bracket on the spindle support, ensuring any bushings or washers are correctly oriented as noted during disassembly. Insert the mounting bolt and thread the nut using a 9/16 inch socket. Do not fully tighten yet.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Lower the shock absorber back into position and align the lower mounting eye with the hole in the control arm. Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and washer. Thread the nut and tighten using a 15/16 inch socket. Do not fully tighten yet.
13. 13

    Set suspension to ride height and torque all fasteners
    With all components reconnected, adjust the transmission jack supporting the differential carrier to simulate normal ride height (approximately when the lower control arm is parallel to the ground or at the vehicle's normal stance). With the suspension at this position, torque all fasteners in the following sequence: frame pivot bolt, spindle support-to-trailing arm fasteners, strut rod mounting bolt, and shock absorber lower bolt. Torque values MUST be taken from the 1966 Corvette factory service manual for each specific fastener; do not substitute generic values.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheel and tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack from under differential carrier
3. With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for unusual noises from rear suspension
5. Have front-end alignment shop check rear suspension alignment and camber settings

Verification

• Verify all suspension fasteners are properly torqued with suspension at ride height
• Check that shock absorber moves freely through its full range of travel
• Confirm no contact or interference between control arm and frame or other components throughout suspension travel
• Visually inspect that all components are properly seated and aligned
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners and inspect for any loosening

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