Another Rear Suspension Issue

Curt Rees · 08-11-2013, 02:29 PM

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

Billy Nees · 08-11-2013, 02:39 PM

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.

Curt Rees · 08-11-2013, 02:45 PM

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

Tom Moock · 08-11-2013, 07:07 PM

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

Billy Nees · 08-11-2013, 08:11 PM

oops, no. Pretty much anything goes in SS.

2021STK · 08-11-2013, 11:08 PM

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

Good luck

Curt Rees · 09-03-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

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.

Billy,

The guru that you are, you were right on! The driver's side axle tube twisted in the housing. "Christine" will not be dancing anymore this year. The rear end is coming out and going to be completely rebuilt. I guess I will take the '96 Caprice LT 1 down to Thunder Valley and out to Oahe and run for a street trophy during the Midwest Class Racers show at both tracks coming up.

At least I will get to run something! If it goes down the track, it will break, not a matter of if, but when!

#5457

Curt Rees

Dan Fahey · 09-03-2013, 01:38 PM

I use Dick Miller products.

Have the upper and lower arm Brace to prevent cracking the suspension joints.

D

Curt Rees · 09-03-2013, 01:41 PM

Dan,

I have the braces and new lower control arms. Those will be installed when the rear end goes back in.

I had already replaced the upper control arms. Once the rear end is repaired, should be no more problems there.

#5457

Curt Rees

08-11-2013, 02:29 PM	#1
Curt Rees Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ft. Pierre, SD Posts: 357 Likes: 413 Liked 249 Times in 51 Posts	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 __________________ Curt Rees 5457 SS

08-11-2013, 02:39 PM	#2
Billy Nees VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: On a hilltop in Pa. Posts: 4,491 Likes: 3,594 Liked 7,708 Times in 1,736 Posts	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. __________________ Billy Nees 1188 STK, SS I'm not spending 100K to win 2K

08-11-2013, 02:45 PM	#3
Curt Rees Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ft. Pierre, SD Posts: 357 Likes: 413 Liked 249 Times in 51 Posts	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 __________________ Curt Rees 5457 SS

08-11-2013, 07:07 PM	#4
Tom Moock Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 801 Likes: 1 Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue Billy, Curt cutlass run`s in superstock, Are the rules the same for control arms, stock and superstock? Tom __________________ Tom Moock 5704 STK

08-11-2013, 11:08 PM	#6
2021STK Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 281 Likes: 280 Liked 17 Times in 14 Posts	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 __________________ Dave Outten 2222 S/SS/SST/SG/HR 2021 S 1968 SS 1969 SR 1966 1990 Bracket

08-11-2013, 08:11 PM	#5
Billy Nees VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: On a hilltop in Pa. Posts: 4,491 Likes: 3,594 Liked 7,708 Times in 1,736 Posts	Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue oops, no. Pretty much anything goes in SS. __________________ Billy Nees 1188 STK, SS I'm not spending 100K to win 2K

09-03-2013, 01:38 PM	#8
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,128 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue I use Dick Miller products. Have the upper and lower arm Brace to prevent cracking the suspension joints. D

09-03-2013, 01:41 PM	#9
Curt Rees Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ft. Pierre, SD Posts: 357 Likes: 413 Liked 249 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Another Rear Suspension Issue Dan, I have the braces and new lower control arms. Those will be installed when the rear end goes back in. I had already replaced the upper control arms. Once the rear end is repaired, should be no more problems there. #5457 Curt Rees __________________ Curt Rees 5457 SS