changing rear strut bars???

[kip younger]

I need to remove the rear strut bars, attempt to straighten them and replace them. Is there anything I should know when taking these off? Any surprises to be aware of? thanks - kip

 

[jakesindy]

year

What year is the car:shrug01:

 

[kip younger]

Its a 77. I had the rear spindles replaced and other work on the trailing arms. I had the exhaust ran the correct way, and for some reason the mechanic left the bars bent. He told me he could remove them, straighten them and replace them. I ordered a pair of adjustable strut bars but don't want any surprises when I take off the old ones.

 

[98 softtail]

Its a 77. I had the rear spindles replaced and other work on the trailing arms. I had the exhaust ran the correct way, and for some reason the mechanic left the bars bent. He told me he could remove them, straighten them and replace them. I ordered a pair of adjustable strut bars but don't want any surprises when I take off the old ones.

:shrug01:

 

[jakesindy]

bars

Are you talking about the bars from the center diff to the lower shock mount. how did those get bent???

 

[Rich427]

It is not unusual for C3 strut rods to be bent. But they did not come from the factory that way! The strut end that attaches near the differential has a concentric washer that is used to align the rear tires on each side. Back in the day, a lot of mechanics hated this alignment system, so they just heated the strut rod and bent it to get the rear tires aligned. Since you have bought adjustable struts just unbolt the old and install the new. I would adjust the struts at zero camber (just put a level vertically on the outside edges of the wheel and when you have it level, tighten your adjustment on the strut. This should get you pretty close. Then take it to a decent alignment shop. It really is not a difficult job.

Good luck

Rich

 

[kip younger]

Sounds pretty easy, thanks much... kip