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Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject:
I've checked mine and there are no obvious signs of cracking or wear, but the drivers side sags 1-2 inches more than the pass side. I just took off the old air shocks and replaced with regular shocks and it still sags.
I'm going to the parts store this weekend and get bushings.
Also, is there a standard hite measurement for the springs? I figure I will check that too while I'm under there. _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
Necoa #: 10934
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Feb 03, 2008
Posts: 436
Year: 1981
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:
Probably the springs are sacked out. If they are the originals I'm guessing thats where the sag is coming from. I dont think you'd get that much sag out of worn bushings. Pull the rear springs out and line them up next to each other. See if there is any free height differnece. You could also swap them to the other side to see if the sag moves around. Easier then changing bushings.
Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:
Hey Tom. How you been? Thanx 4 ur reply. Yea, I'll try that first. All I have to do is unbolt the bottom of the shocks and let the axle down right? Believe it or not, THAT is the only thing I haven't touched on this truck yet. _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject:
Thanx Dude. I figured that was how you did it. The control arms will keeps it in place and the shocks being unhooked will let me lower it. I'll have to do one side at a time tomorrow morning and saturday morning, as I work nights and it makes everything harder to do. I found a pair of springs at a junk yard for $40.
Thanx again
dug _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
Necoa #: 10934
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Feb 03, 2008
Posts: 436
Year: 1981
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:
Check the local parts stores. You should be able to buy Moog or TRW replacement springs for about the same price. Your just buying old worn out springs from the bone yards.
Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject:
Alright Thanx Dude. Calling now.
Getting the elky inspected this weekend and can't drive it around sagging on one side, know what mean?! _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:41 am Post subject:
Ok, I've swapped the springs around and the same side still sags. Put new shocks on too. All that is left are the control arms right? Or am I missing something? _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
Necoa #: 10934
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Feb 03, 2008
Posts: 436
Year: 1981
Model: El Camino
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:
Check the spring mounts upper and lower. It's possible there may be a problem there. If not then you pretty much ruled out everything except the control arms.
Necoa #: 10514
Location: 18(N.CA,N.NV)
Joined: Nov 25, 2007
Posts: 51
Year: 1986
Model: El Camino
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject:
Maybe better put a good eyeball on the frame?
Grab a tape measure & jackstand it on level ground & take a good close look!
I hope not, but you may find a twist or crack??
Good Luck! _________________ Have Fun! Bob
86 El Camino (Wife's "work truck") Gallery
61 Ranchero (Wife's project)
04 Dodge 2dr Hemi SB (My "work truck")
01 Dodge QuadCab 4X4 Diesel (My play truck)
58 Del Ray 2dr Wagon (My project)
68 Imperial Crown Coupe (Just Big)
Have you checked the front? If something is holding the right front up then the left rear will be down and etc. _________________ 84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.
...the drivers side sags 1-2 inches more than the pass side. I just took off the old air shocks and replaced with regular shocks and it still sags.
I have the same issue on mine, the passenger side is lower than the drivers side. I replaced all 4 springs, nothing wrong on the spring mounts that I could see. I was thinking one of the air shocks is inflating more than the other, but I haven't had time to check into it further. Let us know what you find out, this may be more common of a problem than I thought it was. _________________
1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"The only thing collecting dust in my garage... is my broom"
Necoa #: 1875
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 467
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:39 am Post subject:
Ok. I just got home from work and I'm going out this morning and switching the springs around again just to make 1000000000% sure that I DID switch them. I'm taking the regular shocks back and getting some good Monroe air shocks.
I did have to have the front frame straightened back when I first started working on this thing about 10 years ago, and they checked the whole frame out when they had it.
I did give a real close look at all of the mounts( shocks & springs) when I had it down yesterday, but I'll check it out again 2 day. They both have the rubber that goes between the top of the spring and the top mount too.
It can't really be the control arms. They don't have anything to do with the ride hite, they only help control the axle.
The truck is sitting level too.
I appreciate all of ya'lls input.
I'll check back in later b4 I go to bed. _________________ Douglas
1980 El Camino
1996 Chevy Blazer
1982 Camaro
1982 Fiat Spider 2000
My Gallery
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