Hi guys,
Rag Doll has had thad annoying symptom since I bought her, but I dont go down the highway enough for it to bother me, but heres what happens:

Any speed above 50 (probably only noticeable at that speed)

When I let off the accelerator pedal, I feel the rear of the car 'swing/crab' to the right. Stepping on the accelerator will 'straighten' the car out.

The car has new: Upper Control Arm Bushings/Ball Joints/Stay bar bushings, new tie rod assemblies, idler bushings, steering stabilizer, new Bilstiens in the rear, new rear sway bar end links, 4 new Kumho A/S 795 tires, and motor mounts. The car was aligned after that, but I was told that I would need new lower ball joints at some point.

I'm getting ready to take her in to the shop for lower ball joints and control arm bushings this week, but I wanted to know what you guys think may be causing this swinging/crabbing.

Car is an 83 300D-T with 180K.

Thanks gang!
Dub

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91 350SD
14 F150 Eco
19 Fusion Hybrid
11 GT500

One or both of the following:
- Bad trailing arm bushing(s)
- Bad subframe bushings

Test trailing arm bushings by lifting car and placing it on jackstands then use a small pry bar or big screwdriver to pry against the trailing arms where they attach to the subframe. Any detectable movement is unacceptable and the bushings need to be replaced.

Test the outer subframe bushings by observing the bushing located on each side of the car, under the rear doors for movement while another driver shifts the car in and out of gear on a slight incline. When the subframe has power applied to it, the bushing will compress slightly (<.1"). A bad bushing will have significant (> .125") compression/deflection .

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

yep. loose rear end stuff.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I agree as I went through the rear suspension on mine not too long ago. I would mostly suspect the trailing arm bushings. To change them out, I used a section of all thread and 3/4" dr. sockets and a bunch of washers. Worked really well. The coil spring compressor was rented from the tool rental program.

Warning: Prepare for a workout! Have lots of sports drink on hand in this heat and you will feel every bit your age afterwards. Tub with Epsom salts is your friend.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Sounds like I may be better off paying a qualified person to do this rather than tackle it myself.....

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91 350SD
14 F150 Eco
19 Fusion Hybrid
11 GT500

It's not technically difficult, just a physical workout if your out of shape, like me. I believe the whole job cost me less than $200 in parts, rental & misc. items. I would be afraid of what a garage might charge, most of that would be labor.

If you did the front, the back will be even easier tech-wise.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )