Low buck rear lowering and rubbing

[Figuarus]

guys, I am not a smart man. I can admit that. With that being said, I will say that I can usually figure out things pretty reasonably well.

This is not one of those times.

I lowered the rear end of my truck about 4" using TJ rear coils, and compensated for loaded weight by means of using two air shocks on the rear end. Since doing that, I have encountered rubbing on the inner wheel tubs. I can't seem to get this to stop. I am running 235/75/15's all around.

I know I can make it stop by re installing the stock coils, but I want to know how everyone else manages to deal with tire rubbing?

I don't have pictures (I should have taken some, I just got the truck off the lift in the shop...) but I can take some later to show just how much rub is happening here.

Suggestions?

[Clyde65]

did you replace the panhard bar with an adjustable one?

Also what is your backspacing on your wheels?

Can you supply some pix for us to look at?

Good luck!

[Figuarus]

Clyde,

The panhard bar is still stock unfortunately. It is, however bent (happened from an accident long ago) I will take some pictures and get some measurements. Wheels are factory backspacing.

[Renzo]

Your stock panhard bar is most likely your problem. When you lowered it it moved the axle off of center. You need and adjusable one like Clyde65 said.

[Clyde65]

around $50 from CPP

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Figuarus

Clyde,

The panhard bar is still stock unfortunately. It is, however bent (happened from an accident long ago) I will take some pictures and get some measurements. Wheels are factory backspacing.

Some people bend these on purpose to compensate for the lower suspension. If you look at my build thread, I used an adjustable bar and it works great.

[Figuarus]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

I used an adjustable bar and it works great.

Your build thread says you used a tractor hitch, but where did you source it exactly? I could use something like that!

BTW, that is one BEAUTIFUL truck. It makes me miss my '62

[61_FL_Apache]

Yes. I got mine from Tractor Supply Co for less than $40. It's not the best looking, but works well.

[firemanjimtfd]

Here is a panhard bar on a truck not lowered yet I bought. Couldn't figure out why the passenger side tire was rubbing till I saw this. Straightened out and centered rear end back up .

[Figuarus]

wow, that's pretty wild.

Mine's not bent quite that hard, but just has a slight curve to it.

I will take a picture later this morning, once I can put it back on the lift.

[Figuarus]

firemanjimtfd,

Are those progressive coils any good? they look like they're sitting on the stack.

[VictoriaHardware]

I have encountered rubbing on the inner wheel tubs

You should only be rubbing on one side if the panhard bar is the problem

[Figuarus]

Ok, got some pics.
Note the panhard bar bend


Some not so clear pics

[Figuarus]

this is the driver side wheel tub where its rubbing

[f.monroe]

Since its the driver side that's rubbing I would say bend the bar a little more. It should pull the rear towards the drivers side enough to stop the rub until you can get an adjustable bar.
Frank

[Figuarus]

Originally Posted by f.monroe

Since its the driver side that's rubbing I would say bend the bar a little more. It should pull the rear towards the drivers side enough to stop the rub until you can get an adjustable bar.
Frank

True, but it's also happening on the passenger side. i'm thinking I may also need wheel spacers, just to get that extra clearance...

[NEWFISHER]

1990's Camaro sway bar works great in the rear of these trucks too. You are on the right track with the tires being to wide for the use of the weak Jeep springs. If you had a progressive rate spring designed for these trucks, you might get away with the width of the tire and the back half not flopping around? Careful on wheel spacers, you may need to push in some longer studs if you decide to run them.

[Mackie]

What offset are the wheels and is the bed orig? The same rear set up in my lowered 63 fleet with 235/70-15 doesn't come close to rubbing but I have 15x8 truck ralleys

[Figuarus]

Mackie, I have factory 1964 steel wheels. They are 15x8, and have 235/75R15's on them.

[PGSigns]

Lay on the ground and get some one to shove the truck side to side and see if anything moves. If the panhard bar bushings or the trailing arm bushings are shot you can get some extra movement. Also look at what part of the tire is rubbing on the wheel well. You may find it is happening when you pull into a step driveway an one tire goes up and the other goes down.
Jimmy

[NurseBen]

I have a '69 but should be the same. Running 30 X 12 X 15 on wheel vintiques, I think the rims are 10 inches with 4.5 of back spacing. The only time it rubs is with my 250 pound neighbor in the passenger seat

[scuderia]

Originally Posted by Figuarus

Your build thread says you used a tractor hitch, but where did you source it exactly? I could use something like that!

BTW, that is one BEAUTIFUL truck. It makes me miss my '62

not sure if this is the right length but at least it gives you some place to start..
http://www.steinertractor.com/ABC201...stabilizer-bar

[Figuarus]

PGSigns, I had my wife rock the bed, and sure enough, the track arm bushings have movement. I am going to pump the air shocks a little more and ride a little higher than I'd like.

i'm gonna find that track arm, and get it centered. hopefully, that's all that's the problem.

thanks everyone!

[Figuarus]

Well, adding some Timbrens from my S10 helped. I will have to trim them, but there is a vast improvement

[Mackie]

I don't know what Timbrens are but it looks like rubber bump stops that we're not there before.