Removal and replacement of the rear suspension Panhard rod (track bar) on a 1966 Corvette, including disconnection from frame and rear axle mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard rod/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard rod bushings (if not included with rod) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Frame mounting bolt and hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle mounting bolt and hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front tires.
3. If fasteners appear corroded, spray Panhard rod mounting bolts at both frame and axle ends with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential housing or rear crossmember.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails, positioning stands forward of rear suspension mounting points.
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands so rear suspension hangs freely with no weight on tires, but wheels remain on ground or just above it.
7. Verify vehicle stability by gently pushing on rear bumper before working underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate Panhard rod mounting points
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the Panhard rod (track bar) which runs laterally across the rear of the vehicle. The rod connects from a bracket on the driver side frame rail to a bracket on the passenger side of the rear axle housing. Inspect both mounting points and fastener condition.
2. 2

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   At the driver side frame rail, use a 9/16 inch socket and wrench to remove the Panhard rod mounting bolt. This bolt passes through the frame bracket and the rubber bushing in the rod end. Hold the nut stationary with a wrench while loosening the bolt head. Remove the bolt, washers, and spacers, noting their orientation and order for reassembly.
   ℹ️The frame-side bushing may bind on the bolt. If bolt does not slide out easily after nut removal, tap gently with a dead blow hammer while supporting the rod.
3. 3

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   At the passenger side rear axle bracket, use a 9/16 inch socket and wrench to remove the Panhard rod mounting bolt. Hold the nut stationary with a wrench while loosening the bolt. Remove the bolt, washers, and spacers, noting their orientation for reassembly.
   ⚠As you loosen this final mounting point, support the Panhard rod to prevent it from falling. The rod may shift laterally as the bolt is removed.
4. 4

   Remove Panhard rod from vehicle
   Once both mounting bolts are removed, carefully lower and remove the Panhard rod from the vehicle. Maneuver the rod out from between the frame and axle housing. Inspect the rod for bends, cracks, or damage. Inspect both rubber bushings for cracking, tearing, or deterioration.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting brackets
   With the Panhard rod removed, inspect both the frame-side and axle-side mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean corrosion and debris from the mounting bracket surfaces and bolt holes. Ensure brackets are solid and properly welded to their respective mounting surfaces.
6. 6

   Prepare new Panhard rod
   If installing a new Panhard rod, verify that bushings are properly installed in both ends and are in good condition. If bushings are separate components, press or install them into the rod ends per manufacturer instructions before installation. Compare the new rod length and bushing orientation to the old rod to ensure correct fitment.
7. 7

   Position new Panhard rod
   Lift the new Panhard rod into position between the frame rail and axle housing. Align the driver side end with the frame bracket and the passenger side end with the axle bracket. The rod should position naturally with minimal force if the vehicle is at proper ride height with suspension hanging freely.
8. 8

   Install frame-side mounting bolt
   Insert the mounting bolt through the frame bracket and Panhard rod bushing at the driver side, installing washers and spacers in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the bolt and hand-tighten only at this stage. Do not torque yet, as the bushing must be tightened at ride height to prevent premature wear.
   ℹ️Ensure any spacers or washers are installed in the correct order. The bushing should be centered in the bracket with equal spacing on both sides.
9. 9

   Install axle-side mounting bolt
   Insert the mounting bolt through the axle bracket and Panhard rod bushing at the passenger side, installing washers and spacers in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the bolt and hand-tighten only. Again, do not torque at this stage.
10. 10

    Load suspension to ride height
    Raise the rear axle using a floor jack until the suspension is at normal ride height. This is typically when the rear tires are supporting the vehicle weight and the suspension is neither compressed nor extended. The vehicle should still be supported on jack stands under the frame for safety, with the jack only loading the suspension to simulate ride height.
11. 11

    Torque Panhard rod mounting bolts
    With the suspension at ride height, torque both Panhard rod mounting bolts to 50 ft-lbs. Hold the nut stationary with a wrench while torquing the bolt head. Torque the frame-side bolt first, then the axle-side bolt. This ensures the rubber bushings are not pre-twisted, which would cause premature failure.
    ⚠Tightening suspension bushings with the suspension unloaded will twist the rubber and cause rapid bushing failure. Always torque at ride height.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and verify clearances
    Lower the floor jack to unload the suspension. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Verify that the Panhard rod has adequate clearance from the differential cover, exhaust components, and frame rails throughout the suspension travel.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above.
2. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specification with suspension at ride height.
3. After initial test drive, re-check mounting bolt torque.

Verification

• Bounce the rear suspension and verify no unusual noises or binding from the Panhard rod area.
• Visually inspect both mounting points for proper alignment and no interference with surrounding components.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify proper rear axle tracking with no side-to-side wandering.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect mounting bolt torque and verify no looseness has developed.

More procedures for this vehicle