Aluminum trailing arms mocked up!

[LOAF]

Wrench,

That is the exact issue I was having. I got the coverplate off, then was struggling with clearing the spring plate from the stop.

If you can help me with a few other questions, I would appreciate it.

I have heard people use longer bolts on the spring plate cover so that one of the bolts acts as a stop and to ensure I don't pull the plate out to far, did you do this also.

Also did you remove the trailing arm first?

Do you recall what size allen wrench is used to remove the trailing arm from the chasis (inboard one)

I think that covers it. Did you happen to take pics of the uninstall

I may have that issue. Need to dig into the pile of old mags and take a look

But Thanks
Loaf

[wrenchnride247]

LOAF,

You should be able to back out the bolts on the cover plates enough to get the spring plate over the side of the stop. Using the spring plate tool you shouldn't have to worry about using a longer bolt to stop the spring plate anyway.

I did remove the trailing arms first, but you can just let them hang by the pivot bolt. The allen wrench is a 17mm. Make sure and check to see if the bolt heads aren't held by peened over tabs. The factory put about three notches around the bolt head to peen surrounding metal into them. Just use a small punch and hammer to un-peen them.

[LOAF]

Thanks..

Will look out for those bolts.. are those the pivot joint bolts or on the spring plate..

Alex

[wrenchnride247]

LOAF, The pivot bolts are the only ones peened, if thats what your talking about. If you have a Bentley shop manual for your ride, the suspension section tells you some good info. I think even a Haynes manual has some info too.

[LOAF]

Crystal..

Thanks, I always forget to reference those bibles.. its like the last place I check, instead of the first..
Always the hard way.
Loaf