I am in the process of replacing my body bushings and have read conflicting info on whether to support the body inside or outside the frame rails. I have heard some say to put a 4x4 under the door sill and others say to put it under the floor inside the frame. Which is better?

This is the plan:
1. support the frame with 4 jackstands
2. loosen all 16 bushing and core support bolts
3. remove the bolts from one side
4. using a jack and 4x4, lift the body on that side
5. replace the bushings on that side
6. lower body and replace bolts
7. repeat #3 to #6 for other side.

So where should the 4x4 go, and anything wrong with doing it the way outlined above?

Thanks,


------------------
Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

The outer body (rocker panels) are much stronger than the areas inside the frame rails. I would definately put the 4x4's under the rocker panels when changing the bushings. I would only loosen the (bolts) on the side that you are working on.
Open your doors and wind down the windows to eliminate any problems you may incuur with body flex. Be carefull not to break the bolts. It's a real pain if you do! Spray some penetrating oil where you can a day before. Especially the core support under the old battery tray.

[This message has been edited by Jimmy P (edited 11-19-2001).]

With a little pre-planning, you can drill small holes above each bolt (where they're hidden), and soak the bolts with something better than WD40. I used Aero-kroil, Zep would be good too. I started doing this weeks before lift-off. Was well worth the effort.

------------------
Doug, Chevl71
Team Chevelle member #625
Gateway Area Chevelle Club member CM028
(OO ss OO)
chevl71 homepage (http://www.chevl71.homestead.com/chevl71homepage.html)

Exzellent advice Doug!

thanks for the replys.

I already drilled above a few of the holes and put some penetrating oil. Luckily, I was able to get all of them out without breaking any bolts or nuts (one was close, though). I cleaned up the bolts, put some grease on them, and put them back in hand tight until I get time to change the bushings (I am not driving it this way).

I am considering trying to spray something up in the caged nut to keep it from rusting (maybe some primer?).

Anyone know of any reason not to support the body under the rocker?

Thanks,


------------------
Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

Rocker seems too be the best bet for this job.. make sur you put a 2x4 over the jack too distribute the weight and look for flex.. with the doors cna trunk closed I doubt you would have any problem wherever you support it from.. Good Luck! And remember Lubrication is the KEY too happiness! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

Use the rockers, they are very solid (unless you have rust there). Use 4x4's with a ridge cut in them for the pinch weld to hold the board in place. Floor jacks and blocks, working slowly is an easy one-man job.
I have a photo in my signature of my body on blocks.

------------------
Doug, Chevl71
Team Chevelle member #625
Gateway Area Chevelle Club member CM028
(OO ss OO)
chevl71 homepage (http://www.chevl71.homestead.com/chevl71homepage.html)