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When a fun job goes bad...

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Tried another shock... no difference.
Checked the fulcrum pin again.. it is in as far as it can go.

I measured everything I could think of and it all seems to check out.

I'm thinking about ordering new A-arms even though I do not think it is bent (since the other A-arm didn't work either).

or I may leave it until I can get it on a frame rack a take some real measurements.
 
Think about what is new.
 
Everything is new/rebuilt but the shocks and the A-arm; however, that doesn't mean that the problem is not with the chassis rails or shock platform.

To give you an idea how little clearance a need. If I jack under the A-arm close to where the sway bar mount is located, then it swivels fine. So... I'm thinking either the frame is causing the A-arm to be crooked, or the A-arm is slightly bent ... but the other used A-arm didn't work either. I guess they could both be bent. sigh...
 
How about the new bushings in the back of the a arm. are they centered and are those funny locking bolts centered as well. I'm clutching at straws here, I know you know how to do this. You did put the plates on the end of the bolts right? (washer inter fulcrum)self centering.
 
Were the threaded lower fulcrum pin bushes realigned when the a arm was re built? They can cause problems if not aligned properly or if ones brazing lets go, you may not see it under load??
Mike
 
Oh, was the a arm rebuilt? Now I understand what the prob is. May I suggest that the fulcrum parts were not brazed in square to the rear holes.
 
The A-arm has not been rebuilt. It is off of a low mileage '79 that I parted out. The other A-arm is a rebuilt unit, and it presents the same problem. I think I'm going to leave it until I get everything else installed, then revisit the problem. It'll be fine for rolling around the garage and short test drives around the neighborhood.
 
any chance of pics yet - I'm still not visualizing it
 
I have a "new looking" a-arm I have been keeping in my spare parts bin I would be happy to send you for testing purposes. I did not use it on my car because it has a different sway bar mount than my car uses.
 
This has to be something stupid. No way both sides can be twisted.
 
Thanks Morris, but I'm almost certain something is amiss with the chassis rail/shock tower. This is why I'm building the car before I do the body work. I'd hate to find out the chassis rail is bent after I have it painted.

I'm going to let it be and come back to it later, hopefully I can get it on a frame rack to do some measuring.
 
I am gonna throw this out even though I am pretty sure this is not your problem...

Perchance did you get your new kingpins from VB?

I bought some from that organization a while back and the shims that sent with the kit where too large in diameter such that when the trunnion is tightened on the shims "squeeze" out into the shaft and keep the swivel from swiveling.
 
Just curious - have you sat it down with the wheels on the ground to see if it appears to sit correctly? The geometry may change under weight.
 
No Morris, Kingpins are not from VB. I've tested the swivel with the trunnion detached from the shock. It works fine.

Steve, that is what I'm hopping for. I'll wait until the engine is back in place and the bushings have had some squish time. However, my gut is telling me that there is an issue here that will need attention.
 
Aw, man, I don't need to hear this - I'm building mine on the bench right now so they'll be ready to just 'bolt on' when the tub returns from the body shop!
 
Tony, I've done several and this is the first time I've run into a problem that wasn't a simple fix to correct. ...and this may be simple.
 
I can't remember if this is even possible on a Spridget but are the front shocks switched left for right?
Bill
 
Nope they wouldn't fit through the inner fender.
 
The final verdict...

Early cars had poor quality control.

I introduced a little twist to the lower A-arm and made it work, but I'm thinking I'm going to do a custom suspension on the front. The right side has 3 degrees of positive camber and the left has 1.5 degrees positive.

I think the jig was canted when they welded the sock towers in place.

I'm 90% positive there have been no frame repairs done to the front of this car.


So... I "made" everything fit, but it it needs some real fixes.
 
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