1970 rear drivetrane or suspension

[alex mcdaniel]

After having my rear wheel bearings replaced and wheel assemblies reinstalled my rear end sits peculiarly high with the wheels tilted too far in at the bottoms. Also the rear sway bar now rubs against the inner part of the tire. By looking it gives the appearance that the axle shafts are too short and pulling the wheels in. Prior to the new bearing and spindle installation the old spindles where floating.

Is it possible that by having them floating the previous owner averted this problem, and now that I've gone back to the original, pressed spindles there isn't enough length somewhere in the trane? Is it possible that when the rebuild shop was pressing the bearings they miscalculated something so severely that this could happen? (Vansteel in Clearwater FL. A reputable shop as far as I know.)

Any insight would be great. Thanks.

[ken edmunds]

Re: 1970 rear drivetrane or suspension

Have you moved the car yet? When you roll the car forward, the wheels will straighten out. Did you make any change in the adjustment cam on the inboard end of the strut rod? You can pull the bottom of the wheels in or push the top of the wheels out with the ecentric cam. First however you have to roll the car a few feet to set the rear wheels.

[alex mcdaniel]

Re: 1970 rear drivetrane or suspension

Hey Ken...I did roll it back and forth a few feet to try and square up the tires....little to no improvment. I also have the cams on the inner tie rod adjusted to the positions they were at prior to removal.

[mike cobine]

Re: 1970 rear drivetrane or suspension

I'll make the assumption that the front trailing arm bushings were replaced and odds are you replaced the strut rod bushings. Both will change all your previous settings and the rear needs to be realigned.

The car will frequently look really out of shape until the rear has bounced a few times. If you have slick painted concrete floors, you can probably bounce the rear enough to slide the tires out, but if not, then a drive around the block will bring it into its normal ride position. Then if it is off, realign.