79 front suspension issue.

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May 16, 2016 | 10:36 PM

Drewvious

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79 front suspension issue.

Top side of wheel pitches inward. Hello all, I'm finally getting "Betty" off of jackstands and on the road after a lot of work done. I have done nothing to the front suspension, when I put the new wheels on I really noticed the drivers side front wheel sitting oddly. I've included pictures of both sides. What will cause this issue? I know it needs suspension work but I was hoping to drive it some while the weather is nice. This has me worried however.. The TTII's look pretty nice I must say. I really like the PVD. Thanks for the help in advance.

Drivers side looks normal.

Again, pitched in at the top of wheel.

May 16, 2016 | 11:00 PM

mortgageguy

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: Spartanburg SC

I'm assuming you have driven the car since taking it off the jack stands ?

May 16, 2016 | 11:46 PM

Drewvious

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Yes, it was driven about 50 miles today. There is definitely something going on with the front drivers side suspension. I also noticed the steering wheel does not square up when the wheels appear square in the wheel wells. This could be because it was not placed properly on the column though. I picked this up out of a barn after sitting for quite a while and don't have any knowledge as to what has been done or what has happened to it.

May 16, 2016 | 11:47 PM

Drewvious

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I have replaced the entire braking system but have not touched anything in the front end.

May 17, 2016 | 06:35 AM

SH-60B

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Meriden CT

Too much camber. Could be worn ca bushings, loose wheel bearing, maybe just needs alignment. Inspect all the parts and look for wear. Frame could be sagging, etc. How much shims are on the upper ca?

Last edited by SH-60B; May 17, 2016 at 06:36 AM.

May 17, 2016 | 10:13 AM

Drewvious

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

Too much camber. Could be worn ca bushings, loose wheel bearing, maybe just needs alignment. Inspect all the parts and look for wear. Frame could be sagging, etc. How much shims are on the upper ca?

I guess I should have mentioned, the wheel bearings have been replaced when I did the brakes. I know they are tightened correctly and have proper tolerances as per the manual. I wasn't aware there were ever shims on control arms, I'll take a look when I get home. I visually inspected everything prior to pulling it off of the jackstands and it looked ok but I have untrained eyes in this regard. This morning I was turning the wheels with the car off and I did notice a sucking sound when I would begin to turn. I'm wondering if it is something to do with the power steering unit. I'll post more findings as I get off of work today.

May 17, 2016 | 12:23 PM

Dodosmike

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Powassan ON

The PS "unit" wouldn't contribute to the "lean".

Check the spindle for cracks. But I'd guess you'd have seen something while doing the bearings and brakes.

Put it back up in the air and push and pull on the wheel and look for unintentional movement somewhere.
I'd look at control arm bushings. If they're tight, get it on an alignment rack.

What is the frame condition?

edit: good diagram of the front control arm parts
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/SUSP63A.pdf
Item H -- http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/SUSP63B.pdf

Last edited by Dodosmike; May 17, 2016 at 12:31 PM.

May 17, 2016 | 01:38 PM

SH-60B

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,989

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From: Meriden CT

A upper control arm on an old pickup I had actually bent in the middle from being weakened by rust. Just saying, a good visual inspection can reveal problems