Axle u-joint?
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Lucas TX
Axle u-joint?
After fixing the horn, parking brake, and multiple oil leaks, my 76 is now safety inspected and legal for the streets in Texas for the first time since '06 (the last time the PO had it registered)! I took it for about a 50 mile round trip today. That is probably the longest it has been driven in a very long time. That's the good news. Unfortunately, I think I found a new problem and I can use some help. On the right rear, I noticed the top of the tire is leaning into the body (or the bottom is out, not sure which) and I noticed as I was pulling it back into the garage that there was a rhythmic clunk coming from that side. I did not notice anything unusual at road speed, just when it was barely rolling (but then the pipes aren't exactly quite 
). Could that be the axle u-joints on that side? Would bad u-joints give it a negative camber or am I looking at something else?
). Could that be the axle u-joints on that side? Would bad u-joints give it a negative camber or am I looking at something else?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Sound like you're in the market for at least new strut rod bushings. If you wish, you could swap the originals for adjustable strut rods.....both have their merits according to everyone here; do your homework and decide what's right for you. As for the noise, check your rear differential fluid level first....don't forget the posi additive. Once these two things have been fixed, see where you're at.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 86
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From: Lucas TX
Good call on the differential fluid. It was 1/2 qt low. I was surprised at the fill bolt after all the horror stories told about getting it loose. Mine was barely tight. Maybe that is why it was damp around the bolt. It is full and the bolt is tighter now. Do I need to add posi additive when I just top it off?
I will give it a test drive when it stops raining.
I will give it a test drive when it stops raining.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Nice one Wayne, I was told to do some "figure 8's" in a parking lot to work the fluid into the clutches. The additive I believe is used to prevent the fluid from foaming up - some of the other guys can correct me on this info if I'm misinformed. I've been told by my mechanic that if you use a synthetic gear oil, you can forgo the additive. Mine also made some noise when I bought it, this procedure remedied the problem. Hopefully it takes care of yours also, and you can start putting some miles on her. Good luck.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 86
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From: Lucas TX
Took it for a very short ride tonight. One clunk when I started backing out, then ... nothing. Not absolutely sure if low oil was it, but it is looking good. When I got back, I put on KYB Gas-a-Just shocks on all 4 corners. The old ones were really shot. When I lowered the car off the jack stands, the camber on the passenger rear did not look as bad. I did nothing to the strut. Would shocks change the camber or is it just my imagination?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you didn't roll the car a few feet after she came off the stands, then the suspension wasn't fully settled. Start soaking the strut rod bolt areas with PB Blaster,or something similar,as you wait for your new rods. What ones did you go with?