I`m in the process of putting my rear suspension back in on my 88 and I have a question about washers.
Where the trailing arm connects to the cradle and to the knuckle according to the diagram in my manual there appears to be only one washer on the outside
of both ends.
Where it meets the cradle this doesn`t seem like a big deal but where it connects to the knuckle it seems as though the bushing is a lot bigger than where it
connects to the knuckle.
Maybe because it`s suppose to just clamp down on the sleeve when you tighten it but it seems as though it needs a washer against the knuckle that is just
as large around as the bushing.
It`s kind of the same thing where the fixed link and the adjustable link bolt to the knuckle with that one long bolt.
Neither one have a washer between the bushing and the knuckle whereas the bushing is larger than where it sits on the knuckle.
I`m inclined to put washers where I think they should go but maybe GM had a reason for leaving washers out of those places.
Any info would be appreciated.

There are supposed to be washers there!

quote Originally posted by TXGOOD: Where the trailing arm connects to the cradle and to the knuckle according to the diagram in my manual there appears to be only one washer on the outside of both ends.

Let's see the diagram!

This was taken off of Pennocks from a few years ago but in my book it`s the same diagram.
You can see especially where the trailing arm connects to the knuckle the bushing is much larger than where it connects.
Also on the fixed and adjustable links where they connect to the knuckle the bushings are larger also.
I would think washers should go just to the right of where the #12 arrow points and between the links and knuckle where #10 and #11 point.

[This message has been edited by TXGOOD (edited 07-20-2021).]

The large washers are to keep the bushings from failing and allowing the link to come off the attachment. All large washers go to the outside of links at the attachment points. For the lateral links at the cradle, they are captive on both sides, so they only have small washers on the outside of the mounting pockets on the bolt head side.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 07-20-2021).]

quote Originally posted by fieroguru: The large washers are to keep the bushings from failing and allowing the link to come off the attachment. All large washers go to the outside of links at the attachment points. For the lateral links at the cradle, they are captive on both sides, so they only have small washers on the outside of the mounting pockets on the bolt head side.

That makes sense.
Thanks Paul.