Is This Serious?

[Rick R.]

I just completed the removal/restoration/reinstallation of my entire rear suspension. New half shafts, joints, trailing arm assemblies, strut rods, cross member bushings, brake lines, hoses, parking brake cable and rear spring. No surprises, but I noticed that with the suspension hanging down unsupported (jack stands under the frame), I get to a place when rotating the half shafts where they won't turn any further. I don't really see a u joint binding though. It almost seems as though it could be in the differential. The differential was not disassembled, just removed and cleaned externally, and it had been driving fine. Placing a floor jack under the r/h shock/strut mount and just raising the assembly a small amount takes care of the problem. I'm talking about one halfhearted pump of a floor jack. Should I be concerned? I've heard that this is common, but is usually blamed on a u joint interfering with itself due to excessive angle with the suspension hanging down. I did move the camber adjustment bolts full range positive/negative and it didn't correct the problem. I do spend a lot of time airborne with my car though........ Thanks.

Rick

[David H.]

Re: Is This Serious?

Rick

Any shocks? Maximum extended length no more than 14.25 inches. If no shocks, suspension unloaded, expect binding.

Bair’s Corvette has nice coverage of this in their video.

Dave

[Rick R.]

Re: Is This Serious?

[QUOTE=David Houlihan (36425);825160]

[David H.]

Re: Is This Serious?

[QUOTE=Rick Rowland (60948);825168]

Rick

Any shocks? Maximum extended length no more than 14.25 inches. If no shocks, suspension unloaded, expect binding.

Bair’s Corvette has nice coverage of this in their video.

David, thanks for posting. I suspect that you are spot on. The shocks were not replaced. They had few miles on them, so I simply cleaned/painted/put on decals. They are not OEM. Unfortunately, I never tried to rotate a wheel with the suspension hanging before I did all of this work. I'll measure these shocks, and if too long, I believe that is probably the answer. Thanks again.

Rick

Rick

Shock length is measured with rear suspension completely unloaded. (e.g. at full extension) Distance is measured from center-to-center of shock mounting bolts.

Dave

[Richard G.]

Re: Is This Serious?

Just to clarify what is binding:
When the suspension is hanging down, without shocks, the angle of the half shaft to the flange is greater than what the U-joint can accommodate.
The end of the joint caps impacts the flange at this high angle. This is why it only happens twice a revolution.
If you you know where to look one can see them impact each other.