Torque Rod?

[D SU]

I've owned my 68 D SU (That what it says on the hood) since 72. I've been through the engine several times and done all the routine stuff. I am in the midst of a major overhaul and for the first time noticed the torque rod on the back axle. I removed the rear springs and differential and completed that work. I've reinstalled everything and now am having trouble aligning the torque rod to the axle. Is there a trick to it? The mount to the underside was not disturbed so I know it is in the original position.

Rick

[DatsunBucky]

Having just replaced my rear springs (although I didn't remove the torque rod), I would recommend bolting up the rod first, then trying to align the springs with their mounts. I also found that if I tried to put the springs on one side, then use that as a pivot to bring the other side into alignment, it wouldn't work. I had to lift the diff evenly and do both sides at the same time.

Hope this helps, if even a little. BTW, welcome to the forum. Enjoy your stay and feel free to contribute. We're a relatively good bunch.

[SLOroadster]

The torqe rod sits ontop of the axel housing and should be almost horizontal to the ground. Attach it first then the springs and driveshaft.

Will

[D SU]

Thanks,
This won't be the first time I've had to redo something. It all has to be in the right order, I guess.
Thanks for the welcome to the group. I'll be sure and check to see if I can lend a hand to anyone else.

[D SU]

Thanks to all. It still took a little colorfull language to get everything to fit. I even had my wife use the big "minor adjustment tool" while I was pushing and prying but it is done and the back end is complete!
Thanks again
Rick

[SLOroadster]

Did you make sure the rear spring shackels point up. I have seen many cars that have the shackles down. They should be inside the S bend mount instead of haning down.

Will

[Dave]

Where were you with that advise about the spring shackles a month ago Will? I drove around for a week looking like a 77 Firebird with an AC/DC sticker in the back window. "Yeeee haaaa! She's jacked up real nice in the back there Billy!"

[SLOroadster]

no-one asked, but as you can see, its easy to do.

Will

[D SU]

I've got a "hanger". Your E-mail generated a long supressed memory. I think I did that in the mid 70's. The conventional wisdom at the time was that it would jack up the rear end to enhance "street racing" performance. I dunno...sounded good at the time. But then again so did the big sideburns and the bell bottoms.