Thanks to the many listers who helped me to sort out the various
problems encountered when taking apart, replacing & restoring the
independent rear suspension. A learning experience for sure - with some
studs coming out of the trailing arms on one side and many issues about
rebushing the trailing arms, springs/spacers, camber, and I even learned
basic fluxcore welding to repair/reinforce around frame holes for the
trailing arm bracket bolts!
Choosing to replace with new parts (lever shocks, damper arm, stock
springs/rubber collars, upgraded rubber bushings, new bump stops,etc.)
and bolts/nuts made things easier, and I previously had a mechanic put
universals on new half axles. I pulled them and placed on rubber
gaitors/protectors. The price for parts added up, and I really did not
anticipate the effort and knowledge required, but I have really learned
a lot as a novice lbc mechanic. Thanks to all listers for your
assistance. For the recent issue about the excess camber or wheel
turning out at top when replacing new stock springs, rubber collars,
aluminum spacers & new bushings............. as soon as I removed the
aluminum spacers my camber problem disappeared. Guess these things are
better used on well worn stock springs, or shorter competition springs,
as some listers told me.
And I may not be out of the woods yet - as I seem to have an
occasionally thump or sound from the left rear axle area perhaps?? The
car rides wonderful with the independent well-supported rear suspension,
and accelerates fine as well. Only, occasionally now and often around 40
MPH, I get occasionally thump. This comes and goes, and is not heard
when at 30, and when at higher speed I can not hear it. I must admit
replacing the right rear half axle in the exact former position as
attached to the differential, but failed to do so for the left rear
suspension.
I was wondering if the half-axles are balanced as they meet the
differential, and must be returned to the exact position????
If so, could I just try shifting over one flange hole and trying to find
the correct balance position???
I understand that the universals must be placed in parallel on either
half-axle assembly to avoid thumping at high speeds, but does it matter
as to the relative position of each of the two half axles to one another
upon final assembly?????
I'm nevertheless enjoying this new rear suspension feeling - it is
really a big change on my six. Again, many thanks, D. Michael
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