calling suspension gurus

[Teesun68]

All...after 10+ years of sitting in the garage, the '68 1600 is finally getting some attention. I'm re-installing the front suspension and hit a snag..on both sides, when I turn "in" the wheels - the bumper stop gets hit from the side by the "arm" that connects to the tie-rod. Seems very odd - I am sure I missed something in the assembly but what? Looking from the front towards the back of the car, it almost looks like the upper A-arm is too far "in" (towards the center of the car) and makes the angle between upper and lower ball joints such that it hits the rubber bumper stop from the side...I have a single spacer on the upper spindle of the A arm- maybe 1/4 of an inch thick...Any ideas what could be causing it?

Much appreciated.

Michael

[JT68]

Can you post some photos? 1/4" spacers on each side of the upper A-arm sounds about right.

The front bump stop (rebound bumper) steel stands have a left and a right as I recall - I never looked into "why" - maybe you just stumbled on it?? Just a guess??

Also, I think, (Not looking at a frame this second) there are also hard stops for the steering. Are those missing and allowing too much travel?
Maybe not, just a possibility// j

[Teesun68]

JT..Thanks..will check the right/left..got both of them off now..pic next...M

[Teesun68]

Tech difficulties loading..stay tuned..

[Teesun68]

Suspension 1 by Laura Chutny, on Flickr

Suspension2 by Laura Chutny, on Flickr

[JT68]

A. Your shocks are upside down. You can't run twin tube shocks upside down.

But that isn't the steering issue. I think once you attach the tie rods you will find that the steering angle is limited and you may not have the problem you originally described. Without the rods in place you can turn the spindle much more than when fully assembled. Like I said there are hard stops that limit the angle.

[richard]

Try it when it is on his wheels, should be ok then.

[Teesun68]

Ooops....I guess after 10+ years..one forgets some things...Good catch! I agree - needs to be fixed but I don't think related...Now that I have to get back in there and take it apart again.....well..will mock it back up without the spring and take some more pics..will check the left/right possibility at the same time. Thanks gents! Keep you posted.

M

[JT68]

Other than the shock detail, I'm not seeing anything assembled wrong.

Steering will probably ok with tie rods installed.

On those L&R rebound stands, you will probably find one side "points" to the a-arm contact point better than the other-the difference is subtle. Merry Christmas!

[richard]

What kind of mounting plate ( with the 3 bolts) for the shock did you use in the lower A arm, looks different and with a hub which allows the suspension hang even lower when the upper A arm is already resting on the frame and wheels are of the ground. Should be part # 56115-04101
But again always check when car is with wheels on the ground.

[JT68]

Good catch Richard. That is wonky, the 3 bolts should be UNDER the lower a-arm, not on top.

If you need the correct lower 3-bolt plate, I have plenty-they are cheap.

[Teesun68]

Gents..Thanks for insights. Spot on for both. When I removed the spring and checked the the alignment - no interference. it will be fine when with wheels on the ground. The shock mount piece is an adaptation by previous PO. Subject to future replacement - Triangle piece included.

Appreciate the help and sharing your advice. Merry garage Christmas!

Michael