Rear Trailing Arm Bushings

So, after many a visit to this region of the car, and none of which having to do with moving suspension parts, I finally decided to go to town on the rear trailing arm bushings.  I had the new bushings sitting on the shelf from last years rear bearing parts purchase, so all that was left was to DO IT!!!

I had had a chirp coming from the rear of the car for quite some time. It was most evident to me when coasting at low speed and there were humps or bumps on the road.  I could never find it, until now.

The metal of the sub frame was rubbing on the trailing arm, and during compression, it would produce the chirp!

These were long overdue...

I made a removal/install tool for the job.  And even with a 20oz. Coke in the mix, it all cast less than 5 bucks..

3/8" threaded rod
5 X 3/8" nuts
2 X 3/8" lock washers
2 X 3/8" flat washers (25mm outer diameter to push the old bushing out.)
1 X 1/2" flat washer
1 X 5/8" washer
1 X 1" PVC coupler
2X used hose clamps for strength

Lock two nuts together on each end, one nut in the middle, put a wrench on the center nut, and spin the appropriate locked end nuts with an impact.  Done and done.

While I was in there, I added new differential output seals, shock to body bushings, and the fabled '76 only differential output flanges that eliminate the need for spacers on the axles for use of an e21 LSD.

Here is the comparison of the two types of out put flanges that slip in to the e21 diff.  Typical 2002 flanges use a through bolt to secure them to the diff, making them useless on the LSD.  Early 2002 diffs MAY have the type with clips on the inside end, but they are too narrow to be spot on..  although they do work in this application.  You just run the risk of having the axle pop out of the diff when the suspension is fully extended, like when the car is on a lift, etc.   Which is mostly just a PIA.  I know from experience..

Here are the, narrow axles:

Here are the '76 only, "cupped" axles.  You can see the difference in the space between the dust cover and the back of the flange..

The reinstall was fine.  The only trick was holding the nut for the outer trailing arm bolt..  you can see there  how tight the work area is!

So I realized that a little tape goes a long way..

In regards to the trailing arm bushings, I can't believe how much tighter the rear feels, AND THE CHIRP IS GONE!!!

I highly recommend this very inexpensive bit of suspension rehab.