Front Suspension issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
Front Suspension issue
I have my 71 project on stands at as equal points as I can front an back. My front drivers side tire is still on the ground while all other tires are in the air about 1". I double checked to make sure each stand was exactly the same height. Can anyone provide any insight on what this might be? My plan is to rebuild the entire front suspension anyway, but I was curious as to what part may be the issue so I make sure I get it corrected. Please help, thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
May I assume the service manual (which arrives this week) will explain how to adjust if needed? I just wanted to make sure something wasn't broken that a suspension rebuild kit wouldn't cover.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Is the floor absolutely level? Most floors aren't that level.
Add to that a little bit of additional play in the suspension, tire diameter difference and you could have your inch. The frames of the C3 aren't exactly the most plumb units ever made either so it could just be poor quality control on GM.
Add to that a little bit of additional play in the suspension, tire diameter difference and you could have your inch. The frames of the C3 aren't exactly the most plumb units ever made either so it could just be poor quality control on GM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
This could also be caused by a binding control arm or missing rubber bumper on one side or even a bent frame.
Replace EVERYTHING in the suspension, lower the vehicle and then meaure. If you still have a 1" difference, it's time to go hunting.
Replace EVERYTHING in the suspension, lower the vehicle and then meaure. If you still have a 1" difference, it's time to go hunting.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi CRVT,
I believe I'd check some measurements while everything is still together. You could check some places on the frame by measuring from certain points on the frame to the floor on each side. This won't be all that exact but it may help you to narrow down where that inch is.
I'd think if the frame is bent or twisted an inch you'd have seen some other problems too.
Is it possible that the passenger's side is actually not dropping completely and that's where you should be looking for the inch?
Regards,
Alan
I believe I'd check some measurements while everything is still together. You could check some places on the frame by measuring from certain points on the frame to the floor on each side. This won't be all that exact but it may help you to narrow down where that inch is.
I'd think if the frame is bent or twisted an inch you'd have seen some other problems too.
Is it possible that the passenger's side is actually not dropping completely and that's where you should be looking for the inch?
Regards,
Alan
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Suggest that you add the VB spreader bar to the front suspension to stiffen the shock towers. It will REALLY improve your handling and may help your height differential.
Also, look for cracks in welds or separated welds at front spring and shock mounts. I had three on my 71.
Also, look for cracks in welds or separated welds at front spring and shock mounts. I had three on my 71.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
Suggest that you add the VB spreader bar to the front suspension to stiffen the shock towers. It will REALLY improve your handling and may help your height differential.
Also, look for cracks in welds or separated welds at front spring and shock mounts. I had three on my 71.
Also, look for cracks in welds or separated welds at front spring and shock mounts. I had three on my 71.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
I have my 71 project on stands at as equal points as I can front an back. My front drivers side tire is still on the ground while all other tires are in the air about 1". I double checked to make sure each stand was exactly the same height. Can anyone provide any insight on what this might be? My plan is to rebuild the entire front suspension anyway, but I was curious as to what part may be the issue so I make sure I get it corrected. Please help, thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,338
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
When the car is lifted up, the spring pushes the control arms down...this is pretty obvious. What stops the downward motion is a "acorn" shaped rubber plug that is mounted to the frame under the upper control arm. When the control arm meets the rubber plug, the control arms will no longer lower. If the rubber plug is missing on one side, the control arms on that side will lower much more than the other side.
...a bend frame can be a culprit, that that's a big hit. Lets hope that the above rubber acorn diagnosis is correct. This is an almost poinless solution, since you should replace these plugs anyhow. .............oh, replacing the plugs can be a difficult job. They have a little rubber nipple that fits into the hole in the frame. Getting the nipple to go all the way into the hole is difficult. Lub'em up. Get a long, long needle nose wirepliers and you can grab the nipple from the inside of the frame and, with luck, pull it into locking polsition.
...a bend frame can be a culprit, that that's a big hit. Lets hope that the above rubber acorn diagnosis is correct. This is an almost poinless solution, since you should replace these plugs anyhow. .............oh, replacing the plugs can be a difficult job. They have a little rubber nipple that fits into the hole in the frame. Getting the nipple to go all the way into the hole is difficult. Lub'em up. Get a long, long needle nose wirepliers and you can grab the nipple from the inside of the frame and, with luck, pull it into locking polsition.
