Good day,

I have a 1985 740 8 valve with M46 manual.

I had heard some occasional odd noises emanating from the right rear quarter. I have a partially filled jug of antifreeze in the fender well and I thought it was that moving around.

Nope, guess not.

Filled the gas tank yesterday, drove a half mile and heard loud noise followed by horrendous scraping sound.

Looked underneath and found the coil spring jammed into the pavement. I was close to home so I decided to risk driving car very slowly home. Want to talk about a loud nasty noise that goes right through you? Bystanders turning to look as I went by?

Stopped, tied it up (sort of) with a bungee cord and managed to get home.

I have not gotten underneath but I expect the spring broke though the trailing arm or snapped the rear of the arm off. Note: had to go back out and when I drove by the scene I saw what I suspect was the bottom spring seat ring on the side of the road.

Is replacing the arm difficult?

I see 240 arms at FCP but no 740 arms. Suggested source new?

I guess auto junkyard would be OK but I would have to have them pull it.

Are there any pitfalls or special tools required?

Look in the FAQ but could not seem to find specific notes relating to arm replacement.

Spring is gone too from scraping on the ground.

TIA

JimB

1985 740 w/M46, 1990 w/M47, 1990 744T w/M46