Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I am reinstalling the rear axle on my 1956 Patrician. The issue that I am running into is that the rear stabilizer rods do not line up anymore because the rear links have spread out.
The manual calls for using the Support Arm Positioning Tool J-6386. I didn't happen to have that, so I used a ratchet strap to hold things together while the rear axle was out. The weight of the car is on axle stands placed under the rear links. I am looking for suggestions on how to push the rear links closer together. I have loosened up the u-bolts, so that the links could move. Would it be safe to pry agains the inside of the wheel hub?
I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!
John

Well.

I can tell you the torque arm will not snap down.

I was jacking the rear and the bracket holding the load arm came off.
Of coarse.. 0 f.

But the torque arm stayed up..load arm..

Torque arm will drop.. but it's not under load

Quick update. I was able to connect the stabilizer rods by buttoning everything else up and lowering the car onto its tires and turning on the torsion level to straighten out the car. Then the rods went in just fine.