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Old 06-05-2010, 07:54 PM
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Location: College Station, TX
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Rear suspension concerns

So I noticed this many months ago, but have been ignoring it: After lifting the rear of my 84 300D (floor jack under the diff), when I lower it back down the suspension sits about 3 inches higher than it should. Only after driving it a few miles (which requires going over several speed bumps to get out of my neighborhood) does it relax to where it should be.

The most noticeable effect is that after I've had the rear end lifted the rear camber is way off. (I've added vertical lines to make the positive camber more obvious in the lefthand picture; on the left is immediately after lowering the rear to the ground; on the right is after a quick drive around the neighborhood).



This seems to be a clear indication that something is not functioning correctly with the rear suspension that is causing it to not "relax" immediately to the proper level. Does this mean my trailing arm bushings are shot and binding somehow? Other problems? Any thoughts?

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Old 06-05-2010, 08:14 PM
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That is normal. That is because the suspension travels inward at an angle like that when lifted, then stays there when set down due to the friction of the tires to the pavement. I bet even moving it back 5-10 feet would have it settled back to where it should be.

Its simple physics, not something wrong with the car.


It is running in the left pic, you can see the soot haze. Good o'l 617.
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Old 06-05-2010, 10:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pawoSD View Post
That is normal. That is because the suspension travels inward at an angle like that when lifted, then stays there when set down due to the friction of the tires to the pavement. I bet even moving it back 5-10 feet would have it settled back to where it should be.

Its simple physics, not something wrong with the car.

Agreed. I had the same "issue" about five years ago when I first started addressing the rear springs on the SDL. It sure can affect your conclusions..........and not in a good way.
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Old 06-05-2010, 10:44 PM
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You will see this height increase any time you jack up the car, even 1 wheel.
I like the color of your car.
Just drive it and enjoy it !!
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1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
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  #5  
Old 06-05-2010, 11:03 PM
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Yep its the friction. If you back it up and pull it back in it should be gone
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  #6  
Old 06-06-2010, 07:29 AM
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Thanks guys. I should have thought about the friction of the tires on the garage floor. Didn't consider that. Good to know.

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84 300D 255K "Mr B" ("Mr Becker")
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85 300TD 175K "Mali" (Sold)
74 Ford F-100 74K "Bonnie" (Sold)
67 Jeepster Commando (Sold)
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