Hello all,
I just joined this group in hopes of gaining some knowledge about my corvette. I have a 69 convertible. I am in the process of replacing/restoring all of the suspension bushing and wheel bearings. Everything is going great right now but I do have some concerns about the rear wheel endplay. As I read through my Haynes book, it gives a trial-and-error approach to adjusting the endplay. I know how much effort it took to tear apart the rear wheel bearing. I don't want to have to do it again. I guess here is my question.

Does anyone know of a more precise method of pre-measuring endplay BEFORE you install all of the components? I have an idea but I was hoping for a second opinion.

Thanks for your time,
Mike

They make a set-up shaft for this operation you can buy through the catalogs. I was too cheap to buy one so I measured a shaft and had a buddy who worked in a machine shop turn me down a dummy shaft about .010 smaller than the diameter of the real shaft and then thread one end. Then you can slide the bearings on instead of pressing them, check the endplay, and add shims as necessary. When you get done you can press the bearings on the real shaft only once. This does not have to be made from super high quality steel. Without a good machine shop connection, you may be forced to order one.

Hi, my name is Phil, and I rebuild t-arms as a hobby, only after I lost 3 of the outer bearings on my left outer t-arm bearing. I have a a spindle set-up tool that lets me set the end-play as it should be .002-.008". I live in Elkhorn,WI., if I can be of any help, just reply- Phil