66 Galaxie Rear Suspension Question

[Diogenes]

I am about to replace my rear springs, rear upper and lower control arms, but noticed the factory service manual calls for the use of an alignment spacer (tool T65P-3000-B or C). Is an alignment tool absolutely necessary here? The lower control arms don't have any adjustment that I'm aware of, only the upper for pinion angle--what gives? I've got a set of boxed OE control arms going in. Have a slight lean to the passenger side, hoping rear springs cure it.

[AlanCasida]

I've changed the rear coils on my '66 Galaxie without the use of any alignment tool with no issues. I didn't know such a thing even existed. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss!

[Diogenes]

Hey Alan, I suspected as much. I'm just now getting around to installing those arms I bought from you a while ago. Ignorance is often bliss. I knew opening my first book waaaay back when was a mistake . I forget where this quote comes from, but it's often true "with knowledge comes sorrow".

[cleandan]

The upper control arm is mounted using an eccentric cam washer and special bolt.
There is a dedicated slot in the chassis where the cam washer rides.
This allows for upper arm adjustment with the turn of the bolt head and cam washer.

Often this area is so covered in gear lube and other gunk that it is basically not visible.

I don't remember needing any special tools to access the nuts and bolts...it is tight up there.
You will need some measurements and such to set it properly once the new parts are installed.

This adjustment device allows you to get the correct pinion angle.
You can find correct pinion angle with other measurements and angle gauges.

You said "replace rear upper and lowner control arms".
Are you installing Hotchkiss or SPOHN parts?

If you are just installing new bushings in the factory control arms I strongly suggest taking the time to box weld the arms when they are out. It really does help quite a lot in terms of stiffness and rear end control.
The hidden benefit is the boxed arms keep out rust promoting stuff too.

Not to mention you can clean them up real good and paint them all nice and purdy.
This way, when you drop that critical part, and it finds its way to the mathematical center of the floor under the car, you will have a nice view as you stretch and reach for the needed part.

[Diogenes]

I purchased Alan's set of OE boxed arms a while back, just now finding time to swap them out.. They will be going in with new springs