Im installing a Hotchkis TVS on my 67 camaro. The problem I'm having is putting on the new U Bolt's. I believe that the rear end is from a Fire Bird (10 bolt). The section of the axle (both sides) that the inner U Bolts go over has a flat section causing the bolts to bend outward about 3/8 in not letting them go through the holes on the base plate. The U bolt I took off appears to be bent and still fits but i drilled out the holes to 5/8 to use the bolts from the Hotchkis TVS kit, so i'd like to use the new bolts.

I have photo but can not figure out how to post them.

Thanks for the help. I'll try and figure out how to post a pic.

Also the pad (bushing) that goes between the leaf springs and axle plate has a metal ring. I guessing this ring goes over the nipple on the spring. this ring does not fit over the nipple. Is it forced on by pressure from the weight of the axel or can i just remove this ring from the bushing? the set came with two sets of pads, does one set go above the leaf spring and the other go below the leaf spring. I've read the directions but they are very vage.

you don't need the metal ring with mutli leafs only mono leafs. If you have monoleafs they go over the bolt in the center of the spring and center it in the spring perch I had a hard time as well getting my ubolts into my shock plates even after I drilled out the holes. I even had to cut off an inch on the ubolts in order to get a deep dish socket on the nuts to tighten them

thanks for the quick reply

Due to the break from the install (to visit team camaro) and a litlle friendly force i was able to get the u bolt through all of the holes on the shock plate.

my only question now is the extra pad bushings, i got one set between the top of the leaf spring and the shock plate, does the other set go between the bottom of the leaf spring and the lower shock plate?

thanks im not to to tighten it down until i get a reply, after the car is back on the ground do i just tighten everything down as tight as i can get it, i could not find any torque requirements.

thanks again

Yes, a rubber or poly pad on top and one below.

pdq67

I put those U bolts on a 73 and had to squeeze them inward !/4" or so. I used a pair of vise grips, the welding type with wide jaws.

The 73 pads are similar but slightly different, they started to slip and the rear axle moved forward a half inch each side. I made up some spacers to fit in the lower pads, but if you can remove the lower shim and still bolt it up tight, I'd leave the lower pads out.

cool thanks, the bolts for the bushing (shackles) i left loose until the vehicle was on the ground, did you tighten them as tight a they would go (till they hit the metal sleeve around the bolt) or did you leave them a little loose so the shackle could move

thanks again

my prior multi leaf had a 1/4 metal spacer on the bottom, what would be the difference if i use it or the bushing pad.