<VV> Heim joint / Spherical rod ends

[Frank DuVal]

I do similar to Seth's method below.

I have had to chain the jack to the car so that the car would not raise 
up. It escapes me right now what I wrapped the chain to since it can't 
be the trailing arm!

I have also removed the four bolts holding the inner strut rod bracket 
to the differential instead of pulling the inner pivot bolt. Not much 
easier, as four holes now need to be aligned, one at a time.

Frank DuVal


On 10/11/2012 11:15 PM, Sethracer at aol.com wrote:

  Ernie - "Heim" is a brand name for a line of "Spherical rod ends". 
There are many manufacturers. Here is what I suggest for your alignment. 
Disconnect the inner pivot bolt and let that rod end go free. Then 
install the outer end and the camber bolt. Now, from the rear of the 
car, jack up the tail end of the trailing arm from underneath with a 
floor jack. This will compress the spring and rotate the arm around the 
front pivot point. Do not let the trailing arm compression lift up the 
rear of the car - assuming that it is on jack stands or a lift. Once the 
outer pivot point is "close" to the same height as the inner point, you 
can swing the jack handle back and forth to align the inner rod end with 
the mounting bracket, and the bolt that goes through it. As you move the 
floor jack handle toward the center of the car, the rod end of the strut 
rod should move in toward the differential. Be Very Very careful about 
going under the car to insert the bolt, but moving the jack left and 
right should align the rod end with the bracket, and let the bolt slide 
through. Be careful under there! - Seth Emerson