Suspension issues

[mcshriver]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the vette' scene, but I run a 502 c.i. jet boat. Recently bought a black 79' coupe w/mirrored tops. My questions are related to the suspension front and rear, first, the left side of the car sits slightly lower than the right side, why? when you accelerate the rear of the car feels as if it dog tracks to the right, why? Also, the front end drives straight, does not pull to one side, but when negotiating compression bumps the steering geometry changes and pulls one direction then the other! All these things make it interesting on a hilly road, The person I bought it from said some front end components have been changed, so I don't want to replace anything un-necessary. Also is it difficult to replace the half shafts as I think there is a sticking U-joint on one side, a squeeking cluncking sound is heard from rear when rolling very slowly. any suggestions would be gratly appreciated.:BOW :BOW

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Take a look under your car. How are the bushings, shocks and other suspension components.

The squeaking has been described to me as the bearings, repacked to replaced depending on the condition.

The clunking could alot of things. Mine made that sound as well and I added the posi lube to the differential and it went away.

Simple but easy suggestions. The heavyweights will check in later.

Bob

 

[JohnZ]

The "steering" or "dog-tracking" under acceleration is a sign that the rear toe-in adjustment is way off - it has probably lost some toe-in shims at the front of the rear trailing arms. Take it to a good alignment shop that knows Corvettes and have them do a 4-wheel alignment; it'll take a while (especially if the pivot bolts are rusty/frozen), and will probably run $100-$150 to do it RIGHT. It's critical to have the rear toe-in setting EXACTLY the same on both sides relative to centerline. While you're there, have them inspect all the control arm bushings, ball joints, and all the tie rod ends for excessive wear or slop.

Also sounds like you need to take a look at the half-shaft U-joints; they're about $20.00 apiece for good ones (Spicer), plus labor. If you have the U-joints replaced, make sure the shop has the right tools for the outers; if they don't use spacers between the ears on the spindle drive flanges, they are easily damaged by bending the ears (which requires replacing the flanges).

 

[bioandy]

Take it to a good alignment shop that knows Corvettes

Good advise from all, with the key being, Bring it to someone that is a Corvette specialist.

Andy