This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the radius arm bushings on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension, requiring disassembly of the rear suspension radius arms.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing set (4 bushings total) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Cotter pins for strut rod ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply 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 frame rails on jack stands.
5. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands to level the vehicle and provide working clearance.
6. Remove both rear wheels.
7. Spray all radius arm fasteners, strut rod ball joint nuts, and frame mounting bolts with penetrating oil.
8. Mark the position of all eccentric cams on the inboard radius arm mounts with paint or scribe marks for approximate reassembly reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear differential and suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear differential carrier to support the weight of the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take the load but not to lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This keeps the suspension in a neutral position and prevents spring tension from binding components during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect the strut rod from the knuckle
   Locate the strut rod ball joint at the rear of the spindle support (knuckle). Remove the castle nut and cotter pin. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the strut rod ball joint taper from the knuckle. The strut rod will remain attached to the frame bracket at its forward mount.
3. 3

   Remove the outer radius arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts that attach the outer end of each radius arm to the spindle support bracket. These are the bolts at the wheel end of the radius arms. Remove both bolts from the radius arm you are servicing. The radius arm will now be free at the outer end but still attached to the frame at the inner pivot.
4. 4

   Remove the inner radius arm pivot bolts
   At the frame rail, locate the through-bolt that passes through the radius arm bushing and frame bracket with eccentric cams on each side. Note the orientation of the eccentric cams (you should have already marked these). Remove the nut and withdraw the long pivot bolt. The radius arm is now free from the vehicle. Repeat for the second radius arm if servicing both sides.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean the radius arms
   With the radius arms removed, inspect the arm bodies for cracks, bends, or damage. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. Inspect the outer mounting eyes for wear or elongation. Replace arms if any damage is found.
6. 6

   Press out the old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate sized support fixtures, press the old bushings out of the radius arm bores. Each radius arm has one bushing at the inner frame mount end and one bushing at the outer knuckle mount end. Press from the side that shows the bushing flange if applicable. The bushings may be severely degraded or bonded and require significant force to remove.
7. 7

   Prepare bushing bores for installation
   Clean the bushing bores in the radius arms thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and debris. Inspect the bore surfaces for damage or distortion. The bores must be clean and smooth for proper bushing seating.
8. 8

   Press in new bushings
   Using the hydraulic press and bushing installation tools, press the new bushings into the radius arm bores. Ensure the bushing is oriented correctly with any voids or flats positioned according to manufacturer specifications (typically the void faces forward on the inner bushing). Press the bushing until it is fully seated and the flange (if present) contacts the arm. Apply even pressure and ensure the bushing enters squarely to avoid cocking or damage.
9. 9

   Install radius arm to frame bracket
   Position the radius arm into the frame mounting bracket with the inner bushing aligned with the bracket holes. Install the eccentric cam washers in their original marked positions. Insert the long pivot bolt through the assembly and thread the nut on finger tight. Do not torque at this time as final tightening must occur with the suspension at ride height.
10. 10

    Install radius arm to spindle support
    Align the outer end of the radius arm with the spindle support bracket mounting holes. Install the two mounting bolts and thread nuts on finger tight. Again, do not torque at this time.
11. 11

    Reconnect the strut rod ball joint
    Insert the strut rod ball joint stud into the taper on the rear of the spindle support. Install the castle nut and tighten to seat the taper. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
12. 12

    Load suspension to ride height
    With all components reconnected, use the floor jack under the differential to raise the suspension until the vehicle just begins to lift slightly off the jack stands (simulating normal ride height). This loads the bushings in their operating position before final torquing.
13. 13

    Torque all radius arm fasteners
    With the suspension at ride height, torque the inner radius arm pivot bolt nut and the outer radius arm mounting bolts to factory specifications. Torque the strut rod ball joint castle nut to specification and verify cotter pin is secure. Note: Specific torque values are not available in the database and should be verified from a factory service manual.
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    If servicing both sides, repeat steps 2 through 13 for the opposite radius arm. Ensure all fasteners are torqued with suspension at ride height.

Reassembly

1. Install rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification.
2. Lower vehicle to ground.
3. Perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle on ground.
4. Road test vehicle at low speed to verify no abnormal noises or handling issues.
5. Schedule four-wheel alignment as camber and toe settings have been disturbed by eccentric cam removal.

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height.
• Verify strut rod ball joint cotter pins are properly installed and bent.
• Perform visual inspection for any interference or binding in suspension travel.
• Test drive vehicle and verify no clunking, binding, or unusual tire wear patterns develop.
• Confirm rear wheel alignment is within specification after alignment service.

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