Front suspension tests? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

farside847 · 03-17-2005, 12:03 PM

My suspension feels icky. It body rolls pretty bad, it bounces on the freeway, and it rattles when I hit a bump at speed. I am already planning on adding a sway bar and replacing the shocks (might be original). Are there any easy tests to see if I have any other warn components/busshings?

71-longbed · 03-17-2005, 03:27 PM

a sway bar will do wonders for your body roll on turns ... when you replace the shocks ..check the upper mounting holes that go through the frame mine were elongated and the shock rattled everytime i did a bump ... .. id do the shocks and sway bar before you start pulling apart the suspension .. just a thought

busterwivell · 03-17-2005, 03:35 PM

If the bushings look cracked and old, or oblong(!) , you'll want to do the complete front end. Adding a sway bar will work wonders, too. If you go that far, might as well do the whole thing.

Longhorn Man · 03-17-2005, 07:48 PM

To check the tie rod ends, get a very large pair of channel locks and squeeze the end from top to bottom, look for excesive play.
Ball joints, grab wheel (truck jacked and supported by frame) and try to rock it in and out grasping the tire at 6 and 12 O'clock. ANY play needs to be looked at.

03-17-2005, 12:03 PM	#1
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Front suspension tests? My suspension feels icky. It body rolls pretty bad, it bounces on the freeway, and it rattles when I hit a bump at speed. I am already planning on adding a sway bar and replacing the shocks (might be original). Are there any easy tests to see if I have any other warn components/busshings? __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

03-17-2005, 03:27 PM	#2
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	a sway bar will do wonders for your body roll on turns ... when you replace the shocks ..check the upper mounting holes that go through the frame mine were elongated and the shock rattled everytime i did a bump ... .. id do the shocks and sway bar before you start pulling apart the suspension .. just a thought __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

03-17-2005, 03:35 PM	#3
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	If the bushings look cracked and old, or oblong(!) , you'll want to do the complete front end. Adding a sway bar will work wonders, too. If you go that far, might as well do the whole thing. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

03-17-2005, 07:48 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	To check the tie rod ends, get a very large pair of channel locks and squeeze the end from top to bottom, look for excesive play. Ball joints, grab wheel (truck jacked and supported by frame) and try to rock it in and out grasping the tire at 6 and 12 O'clock. ANY play needs to be looked at.



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