Difference in Left/Right Trailing Arm Distance from Ctr Line

[Jack O.]

Okay, terrible title but I was lost for words on how to describe this. On my '69, I can see a noticeable difference between left and right rear tires and how close they are to the upper wheel opening edge. The right doesn't "fill" the opening like the left, or like both rears on my other '69. Again, you can look at it and see the difference. A good way to describe it is that looks a bit like a '68 with the 7" wheel. I've checked the wheels and they are all 8". I took some rough measurements and the right half shaft is around a 1/8" to 1/4" shorter than the left.

That probably doesn't account for how it appears but has anyone ever encountered such a difference in half shafts or in general what I'm describing?

I have the car on jack stands now with the rear spring off so I can't look to see if perhaps there is too much negative camber or to actually measure the difference between the two sides relative to the wheel opening edge.

Since I'm working on the rear suspension figure it''s a good time to ask in case there's anything else I can check to be sure nothing is amiss. I would think other than camber, and assuming one side doesn't sit substantially higher than the other, side yokes are equa-distance from rear diff center, rear diff is properly centered, frame is not bent, etc, the major factor here would be half shaft length. Assuming too the difference isn't in the trailing arm.

Anyway, I also get great feedback here so thought I'd throw it out and get some thoughts on the topic.

Thanks!

[Mark E.]

Re: Difference in Left/Right Trailing Arm Distance from Ctr Line

Have you checked for a bent trailing arm? That's what first came to mind.

And as you mentioned, a difference in camber can affect this. Look for bent or worn strut rods.

[Duke W.]

Re: Difference in Left/Right Trailing Arm Distance from Ctr Line

Even though you say both wheels are the same width, offset may be different. The OE '69 Rally wheels are 15 x 7 x -0.50" offset. Off the top of my head I don't know the wheel codes, but check that they have the same offset or "backspacing" and have the same stamped code.

Duke

[Dick W.]

Re: Difference in Left/Right Trailing Arm Distance from Ctr Line

Okay, terrible title but I was lost for words on how to describe this. On my '69, I can see a noticeable difference between left and right rear tires and how close they are to the upper wheel opening edge. The right doesn't "fill" the opening like the left, or like both rears on my other '69. Again, you can look at it and see the difference. A good way to describe it is that looks a bit like a '68 with the 7" wheel. I've checked the wheels and they are all 8". I took some rough measurements and the right half shaft is around a 1/8" to 1/4" shorter than the left.

That probably doesn't account for how it appears but has anyone ever encountered such a difference in half shafts or in general what I'm describing?

I have the car on jack stands now with the rear spring off so I can't look to see if perhaps there is too much negative camber or to actually measure the difference between the two sides relative to the wheel opening edge.

Since I'm working on the rear suspension figure it''s a good time to ask in case there's anything else I can check to be sure nothing is amiss. I would think other than camber, and assuming one side doesn't sit substantially higher than the other, side yokes are equa-distance from rear diff center, rear diff is properly centered, frame is not bent, etc, the major factor here would be half shaft length. Assuming too the difference isn't in the trailing arm.

Anyway, I also get great feedback here so thought I'd throw it out and get some thoughts on the topic.

Thanks!

Short half shaft can cause that plus cause undue wear on the differential gear housing if it is short