So, new ser of twin tube adjustable front shocks. I knew there was going to be an issue with the installation. The shock body is too big around to fit through the hole in the LCA. If I cut/grind the opening big enough I will severely weaken the mounting area because I would need to open it up all the way to the inside edge of the bolt holes. Looks like I'm going to have to break one of the ball joints free and slip it inside the spring, then button everything back together.
I think I have the plan. Apparently GM engineers faced the same decision with later year cars using larger bodied shocks. This what they came up with. There's just enough room ( barely) without compromising the integrity of the mounting bolt holes. It's a bit more work but it means I'll be able to R&R the shocks anytime without interrupting any of the suspension. I like it.
Done. After a couple of hours grinding( burning up two die grinders) and fitting I have successfully mounted my new shocks. That was fun! Gotta love hot rodding. What's next?
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I think while I have her up in the air I'm going to install one of the solid motor mounts I bought on the driver's side. See how that feels. Be easier to swap out the whole transmission than try and fix that leak. I'm going to save that one for retirement.
I was being facetious, but 95% of these cars have a transmission leak, so was a reasonable guess. What are you doing up so early anyway??
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I was being facetious, but 95% of these cars have a transmission leak, so was a reasonable guess. What are you doing up so early anyway??
I found a permanent solution to the minor trans and engine oil leaks. When the car is started and backed out of the garage for the first time of the season each spring, wipe off the drip pans on the garage floor. In fifty years and one month driving mine, I can't recall there ever being a time it didn't mark its territory.
I have a nice rear main seal leak which I have convinced my wife means the engine needs rebuilding! Which it does... but the more aggravated she is by ugly oil stained cardboard and oil stains on the driveway and the garage the sooner she will give in to agreeing to the project!!! Leak baby leak.
I had a similar problem, but it was the control arms. Global West tubulars are made with exact approximations. They put things approximately where they are exactly supposed to be. Had to adjust them to fit and then when I went with coil-overs had to modify. They had the bump stops in the wrong place and didn't bother with any provisions for steering stops either. I welded in a doubler then ground out the center hole. Ran out of gas part way through and had to use flux core, pretty ugly welds, good thing the car is too low for anyone to see under there.
I wouldn't wish for that oil leak repair too much, I had to make a tool to machine out the seal groove. The engine was in and out twice for that job. Cardboard and the occasional quart of oil is a lot cheaper.