INSTALLING ADJUSTABLE TRAILING ARM BRACKETS

(1) Loosen the shock absorber link from the semi-trailing arm then raise and properly support the rear of the
car.
(2) Remove the wheels and the springs.
(3) Remove the hub and outer axle from the trailing arm.
(4) Disconnect the brake hose and parking brake cable from their anchor points on the trailing arm and pull
the brake plate away from the trailing arm.
(5) Note the number of shims between the frame and each bracket. Remove the outer pivot bolt and loosen
the inner bracket from the frame and pull the semi-trailing arm and inner bracket away from the frame.
(6) Lay out the new brackets as they will be positioned on the frame with the adjusters facing each other and
with the adjuster bolt head facing down. Adjust the fulcrum bolts to approximately the same height as the
original bracket as a starting point. The original brackets designated with one notch on the edge have the
pivot bolt offset 1/8” away from the notch, the two notch brackets are 5/16” toward the notch and the
three notch brackets are 7/16” away from the notch. The adjustable brackets are capable of a maximum
of 3/8” offset.
(7) Remove the inner bracket from the trailing arm and remove the outer bracket from the frame.
(8) Replace the trailing arm bushings as needed. Good Parts Nylatron bushings are recommended.
(9) Place a washer onto each of the frame bolts then insert them through the new brackets. Install the outer
bracket on the frame with the adjuster toward the center of the car and the adjuster bolt head turned
down. Insert any shims between the bracket and frame and tighten the bracket in place with flat washers
and nuts. Torque to 28 – 30 ft/lbs.
(10) Install the inner bracket on the trailing arm with the adjuster toward the outside of the car and the adjuster
bolt head turned down. The pivot bolt head and flat washer should be toward the center of the car. Do not
tighten the pivot bolt at this time.
(11) Put the trailing arm into place inserting the inner bracket frame bolts through the frame. Install the pivot
bolt in the outer bracket with the flat washer and nut toward the outside of the car.
(12) Insert any shims between the inner bracket and frame and bolt the bracket in place with flat washers and
nuts. Torque to 28 – 30 ft/lb.
(13) Torque the pivot bolts to 45 – 50 ft/lb.
(14) Check that the trailing arm can move freely through its travel.
(15) Put the brake plate into place and reconnect the parking brake cable and brake hose to the trailing arm.
(16) Install the axle and hub in the trailing arm. Torque the six nuts to only 14 - 16 ft/lb.
(17) Install the spring and wheel.
(18) Lower the car and re-connect the shock link to the trailing arm
(19) Roll the car forward and back to allow the suspension to settle then check the toe and camber. Adjust the
toe by manipulating the shims between the brackets and frame.
(20) To adjust the camber, raise and support the car then loosen both fulcrum bolts. Turn the adjuster bolts to
raise or lower the fulcrum as needed taking care that the fulcrum bolt does not bind in the slot. The spring
tension is pushing down on the front of the trailing arm and can cause the pivot bolt to tilt down and bind
when you try to turn the adjuster. Hook a screwdriver or pry bar on top of the head of the lower bolt
holding the bracket to the frame and pry up on the end of the trailing arm to release the tension as you
turn the adjuster. Use the same prying method to relieve the downward tension and level the pivot bolt as
you re-torque it. One turn on one adjuster bolt will change the camber approximately ¼ degree. Turning
clockwise on the adjuster bolt of the inner bracket will lower the inner fulcrum and tilt the top of the tire
to increase the negative camber. Turning counter clockwise on the outer adjuster will raise the outer
fulcrum and also increase negative camber. Turning counter clockwise on the inner or clockwise on the
outer will tilt the top of the tire out to reduce negative camber. Raising both inner and outer fulcrums will
not change camber but will raise the ride height slightly.

Richard Good
4361 New Holland Rd.
Mohnton, PA 19540
610/777-4457