Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

I had some misfortune at the Cedar Falls race track on Saturday. The 2nd pass of qualifications, the rear end in my G body '88 Olds shifted, ruining the driver's side slick and ending my racing for the weekend.

I run a 12 bolt, Moroso springs, air bags, sway bar, adjustable upper control arms and stock lower. I looked the car over today and can not see any physical damage or changes in the rear end mounts or adjustments. But, something happened.

I do not want to cut the car and want to keep the 12 bolt and run the 9" Hoosier radials. What would be a good replacement for the stock lower control arms? Something adjustable if that is possible.

I just want to add the Cedar Falls track was excellent! Well run, on time and there was no problem with hooking. 55 cars qualified on Sat. The associations did a good job putting the event together!

Thanks

#5457

Curt Rees

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

Hi Curt, you can replace the stock lower arm but not with an adjustable one. Although I have never seen it happen on a G-Body rear, check and make sure that you didn't twist an axle tube in the housing. That's about the only thing that I can think of that might not be noticable right away.

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

Billy,

I need to get it up on a hoist. I just eye balled it today on jack stands. A twisted axle tube is a very good possibility!

Thanks,

#5457

Curt Rees

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

Billy, Curt cutlass run`s in superstock, Are the rules the same for control arms, stock and superstock? Tom

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

oops, no. Pretty much anything goes in SS.

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

Check upper control arm jamb nuts. I had one back off a few years ago and it caused same problem.

Good luck

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

Here's something else to check. The front mounting point for the lower control arm can tear loose from the frame on occasion. As far as parts, Dick Miller Racing, HR Parts 'n' Stuff and QA1 has some of the best stuff available.

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

I think you are correct Jim. More then likely, the driver's side lower control arm front mount in the frame rail broke and let the arm slide forward.

I will know tonight. Thanks for the tip on the kits. "Christine" may live again!

#5457

Curt Rees

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

If that's the case, HR has what they call "frame braces" that weld to the front lower control arm mounting point to strengthen it. I think they offer them for "A" and "G" bodies.

http://hrpartsandstuff.com/

Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue
 

The driver's side lower control arm front mount cracked at the welds allowing the rear end to move forward. The car is scheduled to go on the frame rack later this week to have the problem taken care of.

HR does make the needed braces for the "G" body mounts. Sounds like it is a common problem, especially on the Buick GN's.

Thanks for the responses! "Christine" should be ready to run again shortly.

Thanks

#5457

Curt Rees