R/T mount install update and a question

[MEZZZ]

To recap, I installed one of the R/T style mounts I purchased from Dave (Zsondabrain) last weekend along with a total teardown of my rearend. When I (finally, after 8 months!) got it back together a week or so ago and took it for a test drive I heard a terrible "chattering" sound from the rearend. Upon inspection, it looked like when I let off the gas, the driveshaft was actually coming down and hitting up against the rear stabilzer bar.

I used the GM mount and removed the stock lower diff mount. Dave's advice was to use the poly bump stop method along with the stock lower diff. mount. Being the idiot I am, I had thrown away my stock mount so I ordered and received a new one yesterday along with the poly bump stop.

I didnt really look forward to tearing out the bulk of the rearend so I was able to install it like this:

Jack up the car, remove the exhaust and rear stabilzer bar, the transverse link inner bolts and the diff. mount front member. I loosened the 2 nuts on the mustache bar holding the diff and lowered it using a jack for support. I was able to remove the R/T mount, take off the GM mount and put on the poly bump stop, trimmed 3/4 inch. I slid the R/T mount back in place, installed the new lower stock diff. mount and raised everything back up into place. It wasnt all that bad, took a couple hours. The diff. is now wedged between the poly bump stop and lower diff. mount and is solid. I have about an inch between the driveshaft and the stabilizer bar. Took it for a test drive and no more noise.

For the record, I have a '77 280 and it seems as if the poly bump stop/stock lower mount is the way to go. Hopefully, I save someone the headache(s) I had but now that it is done, it was worth the hassle.

My question is on torque settings. The manual claims to lower the car on the weight of its wheels and put 2 people in the car. Then torque the inner transverse link bolts to 115. The rear stabilzer bar is right in front of the (big) bolts, I dont see how I am to accomplish this. I know it is supposed to preload the car before tightening so the bushings dot get twisted. How do I go about doing this? I have ramps to use for this purpose.

Also, I am assuming the inner is toward the front of the car and the outer is towards the rear, am I correct?

Thanks!

Mark

Edited September 5, 2010 by MEZZZ