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Rear trailing arm brackets

John_Mc

Jedi Knight
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I'm starting to undertake the rear suspension refurbish. I notice that the inner bolts on my trailing arm are postitioned so that I can't remove the bolt and then the bracket, I have to remove the TA AND bracket together (in other words, the head of the bolt is inward toward the frame. Is this just bad luck from a PO, or would the factory have installed them like this? Any other words of wisdom/warning as I undertake this?
 
Hey John,

Here's a photos that shows the bolt orientation I used
when I replaced my failed rear suspension. I'm a non-mechanic
TR6 owner, so I'm not sure if I have my bushing bolts reversed
or not. Mine are reverse of yours.

If you want to see see how I rebuilt my rear suspension here's "how to" photo essay that might help.

https://www.scribd.com/doc/92509/TrailingArmBushingsFinal

It seemed logical to me to install the bolts with the locknut against the frame and the bolt head readily reachable.

I hope this helps.

click to enlarge photo;

https://rides.webshots.com/photo/2354530350085748235nBdoIl
 
Regardless of the way it is put together, you will want to pull them off as one. Your rear end refurbishment will, I assume, include new bushings. To complete this job most easily, you will want the brackets off the car.
What type of bushings are you using?
Keep tract of the number of shims at each bracket. Take note the position of the brackets. Depending on the year of car, you will have brackets with either 1, 2, or 3 nubs on the angled side. Replace them exactly the same way as they came off. Unless of course you are installing adjustable brackets.
 
John_Mc said:
I'm starting to undertake the rear suspension refurbish. I notice that the inner bolts on my trailing arm are postitioned so that I can't remove the bolt and then the bracket, I have to remove the TA AND bracket together (in other words, the head of the bolt is inward toward the frame. Is this just bad luck from a PO, or would the factory have installed them like this? Any other words of wisdom/warning as I undertake this?

What you see is how they built it...
 
Thanks for the input everyone. Dale, your page as been a great help in seeing things "live in-progress" so to speak! I'm planning on going with the poly bushes. Doug, are you saying it's easier to get the TA separated from the brackets with the brackets already off the frame?
 
Yes. The bushings make a fairly tight fit with the brackets and are much easier to work one at a time. I think they would be a real bear trying to remount while attached to the car.
 
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