78 245 Trailing arm

I have (unsuccessfully) tried to change my traling arm bushings on my car
('78 245), and am giving up and reassembling it. The arm now seems too
short by about an inch. I can connect the rear part by the differential,
or the front part just past the shock absorber, but not both. Did I bend
it or is there some trick that I'm missing here?

 

Because the bushings are shot, the axle is not located properly and can
twist. The differential assembly is heavier on the front, causing the
axle to rotate. Lift up the front of the diff with a hydraulic jack,
which should rotate everything into line.

 

Is it the front or rear bushings you're trying to replace? For the big rear
ones you need a special tool, there's plans out there to make one, though
it's MUCH easier if you have access to a metal lathe.

 

James is correct. I had a mechanic do my 78 245. I think IPD now sells a
tool for rear trailing arm bushings. Check out ipdusa.com

 

IPD wants quite a bit of money for the tool (the Volvo dealer too). There
are instructions buried in the Brickboard's 700/900 FAQ (go figure) on how
to make the tool yourself for very little money.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo