Dropping the rear in

Ok on my 81 I am dropping the rear to fix some leaks. I have the shocks off and the leaf spring is down. How do I get the lower shock mount out of the strut rod? Or do I drop the strut rod assembly first? Will it hurt anything if I have the trailing arms just hagging there?

You will have to drive it out. Get a shock mount remover tool ( can get from most corvette parts houses ) it will save the shock mount.

Remember that if you break the ear off the spindle support, you are in for a difficult and expensive repair.  Sometimes it is worth destroying the shock mount to save the rest.  The strut rod bushings and/or shock mount are pretty easy to replace.

Larry

Ok got the shock mount on both sides all is good till this. Then I started on the universal joint bolts got three out but I think I strip one. I am using a 5/16 wrench but I don't think that is the right tool for the job? Then I went to there other side same thing the wrench seems to slip. Am I using the wrong tool?

We carry the socket for those.  It is a 1/4" 12 point socket.  But I don't have a bolt to try it on.

Larry

Here is a update. I did strip one bolt on the universal joint but was able to undo the shaft on the wheel side. I will deal with that when the rear is drop. So both half shafts are off the rear.  On to the drive shaft. One thing is clear I will have to rise the car higher. Not sure on how to tackle the drive shaft. It looks like there is no room to work with. So I will figure it out. Jimmy I will give you call on a update.