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Old 10-27-2014, 02:05 PM   #25
72BigBlockBurb
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 82
Re: Ripped the crossmember

Quote:
Originally Posted by davepl View Post
Does it though? I mean it might be hand, but a truck in freeway ruts at 60mph is a lot more force than anything you can generate. It's not really the walking side to side that's the problem, it's unwanted rear wheel steering.

Imagine that one end of the axle manages to get even 1/4" in front of the other. That's going to noticeably steer the rear end, at least at speed. You'd never notice it at slower speeds though. That's why I bring it up.

Normally you need a panhard bar unless the four links are "triangular" enough to center the axle well. This is what the Chevelle has.

If at least the upper links aren't directedinboard pretty aggressively, you need the panhard bar like the Impala has. Random trivia: GM was so cheap that if you ordered a Biscayne (or maybe it's with all 6 bangers) you only got 3 links, not 4.

The coil spring trucks don't have a super-aggressive angle to them, but they're loooong, so they still step in by quite a distance.

I know nothing about your setup, just speaking in generalities.
I'll agree here. I've had a number of Corvettes over the years and never had any type of tracking issue. PO of one of my latest cars must have banged a curb or something and didn't replace the left rear tie rod end...Bought the car anyways...but when you floored it, the slight shift of that tie rod end (we are talking VERY slight) would cause the car to push sideways. I think this may be your issue...the four-link is allowing just a little shift that translates into BIG issues at highways speeds.

I know a Corvette and a pickup are much different beasts suspension-wise...but I see some similarities in what you are describing and what I experienced with a shift in rear tires. I'm shocked that the "recommended" shop didn't mention your torn cross-member. Good luck!
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