I removed the two rear radius arms from the rear suspension unit. When trying to reinstall the arms (I attached the small ends first), I found that both large-end bushings did not exactly line up with the mounting stubs on the frame. Both were short by about a 3/4" and I could not put the bolt through them and have it line up with the hole in the frame. Any suggestions about how to align the bushing hole with the frame mount hole will be much appreciated.

 

The bolt holes will line up when the suspension is compressed. So bolt them up when the suspension in it more natural loaded position. This can be done by putting a jack stand under the hub and letting the car rest on it or put the wheels on and set it down. Then get under there safely and position the radius arms and through bolt.

 

Thanks. I have a 4 post lift with a rolling jack. I had the rear assembly supported by the jack while I was doing some rust assessment. I did drop the car back down with the wheels on and the large end of the arm moved closer to the mounting stubs but still didn't line up. Last night I realized that I had the emergency brake on the whole time. I'll release the brake and roll the car a bit and see whether that will give me a better proper alignment.

 

Well, I installed the radius arms. They just required a little bit of muscle to push the big bush onto the stub mount. I didn't realize that the big bush had so much give to it. Now I'm on to the rust repair. Thanks again for the advice.

 

Thanks for this post. You just saved me a lot of time and trouble. After putting the wheels back on and taking the car off the jackstands, the big end of the radius rods were almost lined up. After greasing them thoroughly I put a small bottle jack under them and they popped right back on.