Possible bent frame?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 88
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From: Wyoming
Possible bent frame?
I've been working on this crabbing problem with my vette for about 8 months now. I finally ended up replacing everything on the suspension, except the trailing arms. After a 6 month stay in my garage, I was finally able to take it on the road last night. I asked my dad to follow me and see if it still was tracking bad, and sure enough, it was. No more severe than before I started, but still noticable, even to me, the driver. I ended up driving it to my uncles house, he's a good mechanic, and he also noticed that the drivers rear tire was pointing inwards. Not like a camber problem, but the front of the tire sat farther inside the wheel well than the rear. I checked the passenger side, and it looks to be sitting perfect, aside from camber adjustment. I'm afriad if the frame is bent, I'm going to have to try to sell it, I can't afford the resto it would take to repair that right now. So please, any advice/ideas you guys may have would be GREATLY appreciated. I don't want to part with my baby. By the way, my uncle also knows a guy who has an alignment shop, and he suggested that maybe we get it in for a new alignment. Thoughts? Thanks again :)
El Seano
El Seano
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Apex NC
Re: Possible bent frame? (ElSeano80)
The problem is likely in the one thing you didn't replace - the trailing arm. Did you remove it and replace the bushings? Have you verified that the correct number of alignment shims are present on the drivers side trailing arm. It could be that the arm is way out of alignment due to improper shimming. This could cause the toe-in to be excessive if all the shims are between the outside of the arm and the frame pocket. Or you could have a bent trailing arm itself.
First off, do a visual check of the shims, trailing arm, and drivers side of the frame where the trailing arm bolt is located. Report back what you see. Then we can tell you what else to do. An alignment check is a good idea, but find a Corvette specialist, don't use a generic alignment shop. You need someone who truly understands how these old Vettes work to determine what the problem may be.
Let us know what you find.
ElShannon-o :D
First off, do a visual check of the shims, trailing arm, and drivers side of the frame where the trailing arm bolt is located. Report back what you see. Then we can tell you what else to do. An alignment check is a good idea, but find a Corvette specialist, don't use a generic alignment shop. You need someone who truly understands how these old Vettes work to determine what the problem may be.
Let us know what you find.
ElShannon-o :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Possible bent frame? (ElSeano80)
You can tell really easy most of the time when the frame is bent or been straithtened...look for pulled out cracked factory holes in the frame that could have been hooked and pulled on to straighten the frame...follow the seams of the welded joints...see they are uniform and regular...see that the metal is smooth and not all pounded back into shape....
after that and a few measourements to check frame squareness....it's the trainling arms/alignment..... to check anything for being square, just like a window or wall, measure from opposite corner to corner one way, then to the opposite way...it better be within 1/8 inch or so...or you'rs is outta square, then look for damage....all this mainly requires a lift....it's all done with a steel carpenters' tape...just be careful and consistant...
GENE
after that and a few measourements to check frame squareness....it's the trainling arms/alignment..... to check anything for being square, just like a window or wall, measure from opposite corner to corner one way, then to the opposite way...it better be within 1/8 inch or so...or you'rs is outta square, then look for damage....all this mainly requires a lift....it's all done with a steel carpenters' tape...just be careful and consistant...
GENE
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 88
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From: Wyoming
Re: Possible bent frame? (mrvette)
Thanks guys! I'll be sure to check out the shims and squareness. The reason I didn't replace the t arms is because the one behind the driver has already been replaced. Why, I have no idea. The one behind the passenger is still the stock factory one and other than being covered with a little rust, it looks perfect. The upkeep on this car before I had it was pathetic. I wouldn't be surprised if the person who put the aftermarket t arm in did it himself and NEVER took it to be aligned. I did, however, go out an measure the distance between front and rear tires. With just eyeballing it, I got the same measurements, which would lead me to believe that the rear driver side isn't bent because it doesn't sit any farther forward than the passenger side. I'll check the shims tonight or tomorrow and post back what I find out. This guy probably didn't even shim it :crazy: Thanks again fellas!
El Seano
El Seano
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
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From: NorCal
Re: Possible bent frame? (ElSeano80)
The AIM has all the frame measurements if you want to check it, or take them to a body shop with a frame rack. I'm sure they could check it for a minimal fee, and they may even let you watch and point out any problems. I agree that it's probably that trailing arm and/or it's mounting. Good luck.
Hans
Hans
