After38Years

While I had my '66 up on a lift, I noticed the strut rod ends did not fill the mounting areas, and they were cocked at an angle to the mounting bolts. Rear wheels are unsupported in these picts.

Is this correct?

DansYellow66

I think that is pretty normal. Based on the pinion mount bushings, alignment settings and suspension movement it can get a bit twisted.

jim lockwood

The twist is normal when the suspension is in full droop. Nothing to worry about. However, the gaps at the bearing support do look strangely wide. I just changed the struts on my '63 and I don't recall that much room.

Jim

JohnZ

Those are reproduction strut rods, and appear to have non-GM bushings in them, which are too short; the bushing distortion is normal due to the suspension being at full rebound, but the excessive gaps between the strut rod ends and the spindle support "forks" is not.

After38Years

Thanks for the replies. I've probably pitched the originals which were bent. I did not do the chassis restoration, so I don't know where the struts came from.

The rear end seems a little loose when I take a sharp turn, sort of like the rear wheel is doing a little steering. Don't know if the gaps on both ends of the struts could be contributing or not....

jim lockwood

If the camber rods are not tight in both the strut bracket and the bearing support forks, you will definitely feel a "tail happy" sensation when cornering. It's caused by the rear wheel camber changing in real time as you turn.

Jim

nassau66427

While you're fixing the strut rods............

Check your AIM for shock washer orientation.

jim lockwood

Good catch! Yes, they are backwards.

Tampa Jerry

As long as you are at it, check the shim pack and bushing in the trailing arms. Another reason why our cars feel as if the rear is steering the car be worn bushings or missing shims in the trailing arm box. Jerry

After38Years

I'll take the advice re the shock washers, but looking at the copy of the AIM I have, it's impossible to tell the orientation.

The shims are in the trailing arms and there is no play in either direction that I can detect. Whether the alignment is correct is something to be checked after the strut rod issues are sorted out.

So, two questions:

The references I see for correct struts say they are forged. Since mine show welds (and incorrect bushings) I assume they are not as they left the factory?

The width of the strut rod ends is much less than the brackets they bolt into. I'm not understanding yet if this is normal. Is it?

jim lockwood

Originals and current production Moog replacements are forged.

John mentioned those are reproductions. I have no first hand experience with repops, but it is certainly cheaper to fabricate them by welding up some piece parts than it would have been to develop tooling to produce a forging.

If you want forged camber rods and don't care about strict authenticity, the Moog replacements will fit and work fine. The only difference between them and originals is that the diameters of the ends are larger on the Moog parts.

Jim

65GGvert

I believe mine are original. I don't know if this will help, but this is what they look like:

JohnZ

Long Island has correct one-piece forged reproductions with the correct diameter ends to accept the GM steel-shell press-in bushings (not the later larger-diameter C3-size bushings).

After38Years

From the picts 65GGvert posted, it appears that the large gaps are typical. LICorvette does appear to have forged units with the correct bushings installed. Thanks to all for the help.

Powershift

Yes they do............I have two (LICS) on my car right now. Excellent reproduction of the original.

Believe JohnZ.

Larry

EDIT: The welded style that you showed in nearly photos were made and sold by Bairs. Good/decent replacement strut rods, but not like originals. I purchased them for my car but never installed them. I bought and installed a second set from LICS instead. Gave the first set away.