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TR2/3/3A TR3A question -

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T

TFR

Jedi Trainee
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Have a question about a feeling when shifting. Whenever I shift the car if feels like the frame is twisting to the left. I know the frame is solid because I checked it when I had the body off while having the frame cleaned and painted.
What do you guys think? Have this problem too? Could it be the rear end moving on the frame? I made sure the rear end mounts fell onto the pins on the frame.
Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
 
Have you check the rear spring hanger bushings? Mine used to twitch to one side when I shifted hard into 3rd until I replace the bushings with urethane. Now it just chirps the tires.
 
Well, the rear axle assembly is attached to the leaf springs, not the frame. My guess would be that the bushings for the leaf spring might be shot causing movement in the leaves.
 
Another thing to look for would be broken rear springs. I've heard from several people now with the same failure I had, where the main leaf cracks through the bolt hole in the center. The leaf is trapped between the other leaves and the axle, so it doesn't fall apart, but the axle can move fore and aft, changing the alignment.

Of course, some frame flex is normal. That welded sheet metal frame was never all that strong.
 
Reeplaced all the bushings and hanger mounts. Of course the springs may be broken or worn out. May have to replace them or rebuild them.

WIll try to wiggle or pull on them and see what gives.
 
If a close inspection of the rear end bushings, u-bolts, and other attaching points comes up blank, then inspect the axle tubes where they are pressed into the differential housing. I've seen a few cases where these become loose and the whole rear axle changes shape when power is applied/taken away.
Indicators will be an oil leak around that seam, and or visable movememt when pried on.
My TR4A solid axle had that bad. that car would change directions with the gas pedal.
 
Something else to check would be transmission and motor mounts. A transmission mount that has become loose or was never tighten could be the source.
 
It has been a while, but weren't there some issues with the lever arm shocks as well... I was pretty young the last time I worked with the TR3A's mechanically, but it seems a rebuild on these cured some movement in the armature (side to side movement which is not desired). Not a sure thing, just a vague memory of my youth....... Definitely, though, I would rule all else out first.

Brian
 
Having one shock much weaker (or looser as the case may be) can definitely cause the rear suspension to squirm around. In my case, it usually means the bolt through the frame has worked loose again.
 
All your suggestions seem to be logical. Will list them and check each one.

I do know that the shocks were locked up when I found the car and I had to rework them by prying on the arms. I may need to replace them to see if they are the problem. They slightly leak around the pivot arm.

The transmission mount is solid and tight. Don't think the rear end if weak or broken but will check it.

Anyway, thanks again and if you can think of anymore please post.
 
Update on my findings.

The "U" bolts for the rear end on the right side were not tight. I guess when I completed the frame off installation I forgot to tighten the right side bolts.
Anyway, it rides much better now...
 
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