'74 Rear Susp service and upgrades

[Charles Freeborn]

As I close in on wrapping up my front suspension restoration, I'm looking to the rear of the car, which could use some love too. The CV boots are showing signs of fatigue and the bushings are all factory. I imagine I'll replace outer wheel bearings while I'm in there.

Questions:
How does one wash out the CV joints in prep for re-packing?
What are the bushings of choice for street use?
And what parts are needed to add a rear sway bar (mine came without - even though it's an S with Bilstein parts) and is there any chance I could find them used?

Many thanks in advance,
-C

[Steve]

Charles,

You will need to disassemble the rear CV's to properly inspect the inner & outer races as well as the cages and balls for wear or damage. I wash them in Stoddard solvent. Once they clear inspection, I use a small handful of grease and pack it in very thoroughly.

Street cars get ER rubber bushings (and I carry them here).

You will need to weld on a pair of either Wevo or factory swaybar mounts; both should be new. You can find used swaybars pretty cheap, but you should replace the bushings.

[Charles Freeborn]

Many thanks Steve.
I'll be seeing you sooner than later for a few bits and pieces to put together the front end.
Will you be @ B&B next Thursday or is it tea time this month?
Best,
-C

[Steve]

My pleasure!

Due to St. Valentine's Day being on Thursday, we are having the Feb B&B the day before: next Wednesday.

C'mon up here.

[Charles Freeborn]

Will try for Wednesday, but that's the day after my wife has knee surgery, so I'll be "on call"...
By the way, do you have front upper strut mounts in stock? I need a pair along with the lock tab washers.
-C

[Steve]

[Charles Freeborn]

As I wait for my Bilsteins to return from service, I'm considering doing the CV and rear wheel bearing service.
What parts are necessary for a basic clean and re-pack? I'm hoping that my existing joints are serviceable. When I last drove it there was no conspicuous noise or vibration.

I've already got the following list going:

Boots (4)
Boot clamps?
New lock washers for joints
Grease
Rear wheel bearings if needed
Cotter pins for big nuts

Anything else?

Thanks!
-C

[cary]

I don't want to jump in the middle of a conversation with Yoda without being invited.
So I might not know the whole conversation.

But the rear bearings are more of a replacement service rather than a maintenance item.
They have to driven out with a bearing service tool or pressed out on a press with the trailing arm removed.
The Tool Whore has the SK service tool if you need to borrow it.

I've changed mine because they were failing.
In my case, the right side began to droan.
So I changed both.
The problem your're up against now is the quality of steel in the new bearings.

[Steve]

[Charles Freeborn]

Sounds like I'll let sleeping dogs lie until I've got it together enough to do the whole job.
On the topic of quality parts - they're out there, and yes, they cost.
Technology has never been better in metallurgy, but sadly market forces tend to drive the bus to the lowest common denominator.
-C