Rear spring (detective work) problem
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Rear spring (detective work) problem
I have a "69" vette, had it for about a year. When I took it in for an alignment, the guy said the rear spring was about 1/2 inch over to the left side more than the right side. Whe I Put the car on jack stands, the very end of the spring "almost" touches the wheel rim. The right side has plenty of clearance. Off the jack stand, the spring is away from the rim because the car is down and it's not a problem. The guy said the frame must be bent. He looked inside the gas cap and showed me the filler tube was slightly over to one side which he said is proof the frame is bent. I have spent days looking the car over and cannot see anywhere where there is even a hint of fiberglass repair work and everyting is tight underneith. He said there is no other way the spring could end up 1/2" to one side without the frame being bent. He also said he could straighten it but it's expensive $800.00.
What do you think?
Thanks for your input!
Mike
What do you think?
Thanks for your input!
Mike
Last edited by Mikeg72; Jul 26, 2007 at 09:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Take it somewhere else for a proper diagnosis. I think your guy is off-base. What you describe can't really happen. Everything keys off of the differential, the spring has a center pin which nests in the rear cover. Even if the frame was bent, it can't change the location of the diff. and all attached components and their lengths.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Take it somewhere else for a proper diagnosis. I think your guy is off-base. What you describe can't really happen. Everything keys off of the differential, the spring has a center pin which nests in the rear cover. Even if the frame was bent, it can't change the location of the diff. and all attached components and their lengths.
When off the ground the trailing arms are loose as a goose.You cant check anything if the tires are off the ground or when hanging on jackstands.Check your diff. yokes and strut rod bushings.Also make sure the main leaf is not broke at the diff. center pin.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
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From: west babylon new york
bent
if the dude thinks the frame is bent he should be able to show you where it is bent, there will be a visible sign , paint cracked or rusted line or kink if he can;t show where it is bent how is he going to straighten it
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Airdrie Alberta
Take it to someone that deals with vettes, this guy does not know what he is talking about
The guy said the frame must be bent. He looked inside the gas cap and showed me the filler tube was slightly over to one side which he said is proof the frame is bent
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
I smell
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
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From: Cartersville GA
Definitely get a second opinion. Are the wheels aftermarket? If they have different offsets, maybe the wheel is the problem. Could be other problems with the axle/trailing arm bent. Last thing to suspect I would think is the frame.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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The spring seems centered on the differential (there's a small hole & bolt right in the center of the spring) so it's easy to determine. But, I'll measure it to be sure.
I have to say, I didn't consider your comment that the wheel might not hang exactly correct when up on jack stands.. Humm. I'll have to check the clearance now that the car is down. Also, I have hand sanded & repainted the entire frame from front to rear and I can tell you that I never found any buckling or inconsistancies anywhere.
The frame appears solid and straight to the eye. So, if there is a problem, it would seem that it might be somewhere with the control arm
or something other than the frame.
Also, you are absolutely right about the gas tank. It appears that the position would depend on where it is strapped in. The tank looks to have been recently repaired, the might have put it back in slightly off center.
Well, I don't know exactly what it is but I don't think it's a frame problem.. $800.00 bucks? I'll buy you a round of beers!!
I have to say, I didn't consider your comment that the wheel might not hang exactly correct when up on jack stands.. Humm. I'll have to check the clearance now that the car is down. Also, I have hand sanded & repainted the entire frame from front to rear and I can tell you that I never found any buckling or inconsistancies anywhere.
The frame appears solid and straight to the eye. So, if there is a problem, it would seem that it might be somewhere with the control arm
or something other than the frame.
Also, you are absolutely right about the gas tank. It appears that the position would depend on where it is strapped in. The tank looks to have been recently repaired, the might have put it back in slightly off center.
Well, I don't know exactly what it is but I don't think it's a frame problem.. $800.00 bucks? I'll buy you a round of beers!!