sloppie steering
frogman6042
11-13-2006, 08:39 AM
i have a 1980 el camino, just got done with a complete rebuild on front end. and i mean the works, but the car still drives like i didnt change a thing. had it allined and even tightened the gear box. new swaybar bushings and all new rear shocks as well but it still drives sloppie! i was wondering if anyone else had this problem and was able to correct it? before i go spending a lot of time and money on the rear control arms as that is where i think my problem is but they dont apear to be bad. any ideas ???????
rhandwor
11-13-2006, 08:30 PM
Almost all old chevrolets have sagged springs. You can use spacers but the answer is new springs. It feels likes the car is floating. If you will state exactly what you did and how it feels you could get more help. Springs aren't super expensive if you do the job your self.
frogman6042
11-14-2006, 10:26 AM
let me see i said i replaced everything ball joints tierods bushings springs idler arm center link new shocks tires and new shocks on rear sloppie means lose like a boat on water wonders the road doesnt handle proplerly feels like tire leans in ahard turn something like that
rhandwor
11-14-2006, 12:15 PM
I've found if the rear end is sagged even though the front end is good they will wonder. I've had Chrysler and a Dodge even though the torsion bars were properly adjusted they did what you are describing I went to the scrap yard and added an extra leaf. I've had big Chevy's and if the trunk was loaded would sway badly in a turn. In your case I think a set of air shocks would work. Since you installed new shocks install new springs.If you use it for hauling a new set of springs plus air shocks. I haven't looked at your rear control arms. I think you can buy bushings for them and get a parts store with a press to install them for you.
Basically the new springs in the front changed the level of the car with the front higher than the rear.
I have disconnected the shocks with jack stands on the frame and a floor jack under the rear end lowered the jack slowly removed the springs and put the replacement springs in and compressed both at one time with the floor jack.
I got better spring prices at a spring shop.
Basically the new springs in the front changed the level of the car with the front higher than the rear.
I have disconnected the shocks with jack stands on the frame and a floor jack under the rear end lowered the jack slowly removed the springs and put the replacement springs in and compressed both at one time with the floor jack.
I got better spring prices at a spring shop.
frogman6042
11-27-2006, 12:45 PM
well found the problem gear box although new was bad and the rag joint was also soft repalced both and now i drive a caddy
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