Replace worn trailing arm bushings on the 1966 Corvette independent rear suspension to restore handling precision and eliminate excessive rear suspension movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing kit (front and rear bushings per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Trailing arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Apply penetrating oil to all trailing arm mounting bolts, strut rod bolts, and camber cam bolts at least 24 hours before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails on jack stands
6. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands to level the chassis
7. Remove rear wheels
8. Verify rear suspension is hanging freely and not compressed

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect strut rod from trailing arm
   Locate the strut rod that connects the trailing arm to the frame. Remove the nut and bolt securing the strut rod to the trailing arm bracket. The strut rod can remain attached to the frame. Use a wrench to hold the bolt head while loosening the nut to prevent spinning.
2. 2

   Remove camber cam bolt
   The forward trailing arm attachment uses a camber adjustment cam. Mark the position of the cam with paint or a scribe for reassembly reference. Remove the nut from the camber cam bolt and tap the bolt out using a hammer and punch. Note the orientation of the cam eccentric for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Support trailing arm
   Place a floor jack under the outer end of the trailing arm near the wheel spindle mounting point to support the arm weight. Raise jack just enough to take weight off the rear mounting bolt but not to compress the suspension.
4. 4

   Disconnect rear lateral link
   Remove the bolt securing the rear lateral link to the trailing arm. This link runs transversely from the differential carrier to the trailing arm. Keep track of any washers or spacers on this bolt.
5. 5

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Remove the nut and bolt that secure the rear bushing bracket to the frame. This bolt passes through the rear trailing arm bushing housing. The bolt may require significant force to remove if corroded. Use a breaker bar and hold the bolt head with a wrench.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With the camber cam bolt and rear mounting bolt removed, carefully lower the jack supporting the trailing arm. Maneuver the trailing arm downward and rearward to clear the frame brackets. Watch the halfshaft universal joint angle and support the halfshaft if needed to prevent damage. The trailing arm assembly can now be removed from under the vehicle.
7. 7

   Press out front bushing
   The front bushing is pressed into the forward eye of the trailing arm. Using a hydraulic press or bushing press tool, press the old bushing out of the trailing arm. Apply pressure evenly to avoid cocking the bushing in the bore. The bushing consists of an inner sleeve, rubber element, and outer shell that must all be removed.
8. 8

   Press out rear bushing
   The rear bushing is located in the rear bracket housing of the trailing arm. Press the old bushing out using the same technique as the front bushing. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for cracks or distortion.
9. 9

   Prepare and install new front bushing
   Clean the front bushing bore in the trailing arm. Apply bushing installation lubricant to the outer shell of the new front bushing. Position the bushing squarely in the bore and press it in until fully seated and flush with the trailing arm eye. Ensure the bushing is not cocked during installation.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new rear bushing
    Clean the rear bushing bore in the bracket housing. Apply bushing installation lubricant to the outer shell of the new rear bushing. Press the new bushing into the rear housing until fully seated. The bushing should be centered in the bracket with equal protrusion on both sides if applicable.
11. 11

    Reinstall trailing arm to frame
    Lift the trailing arm assembly into position under the vehicle using the floor jack. Align the rear bushing bracket with the frame mounting point and insert the rear mounting bolt through the frame and bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not tighten fully yet. Support the halfshaft to maintain a safe universal joint angle.
12. 12

    Install camber cam bolt
    Align the forward trailing arm eye with the frame bracket. Install the camber cam eccentric in the same orientation as noted during removal. Insert the camber cam bolt through the assembly and thread the nut on. Do not tighten fully yet. The camber setting will need adjustment but use the marked position as a starting point.
13. 13

    Reconnect rear lateral link
    Align the rear lateral link with the mounting hole on the trailing arm. Install the bolt and any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread the nut on but do not tighten fully yet.
14. 14

    Reconnect strut rod
    Align the strut rod end with the bracket on the trailing arm. Insert the mounting bolt and thread the nut on. Do not tighten fully yet. All suspension fasteners should be torqued with the vehicle at ride height.
15. 15

    Load suspension and torque all fasteners
    Place the floor jack under the trailing arm near the spindle mounting point. Raise the jack to simulate normal ride height (the suspension should be at approximately mid-travel). With the suspension loaded, torque all trailing arm mounting bolts, the camber cam bolt, lateral link bolt, and strut rod bolt to 50 ft-lbs. Remove the jack and repeat the entire procedure on the opposite side.

Reassembly

1. Install wheels and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to final specification
3. Have a professional alignment performed as camber and toe settings have been disturbed
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues

Verification

• Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
• Check that there is no excessive play in the trailing arm by attempting to move it by hand with the suspension unloaded
• Verify the halfshaft universal joints move freely without binding
• Confirm no suspension components contact the frame or body during full suspension travel
• Road test and verify improved handling response and no rear suspension clunking

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