drifting at speeds/rear end

FlyMX93 · Wrench Necoa #: 961 Joined: May 19, 2003 Posts: 39

I have two suspension related problems im wondering if someone could help me with on my '78 el camino. The first is at any speed greater then 50mph it tends to wander and drift alot, and you really godda concintrate to keep centered in your lane.

my second problem is when i get on or off the gas, i can feel the rear axle shifting, to the right when getting on the power, and to the left when getting off it.

any help would be very appreciated to get this thing goin straight down the road
_________________
'78 El Camino

Iceman · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2003 9:38 pm Post subject:

Sounds like your drifting problem is related to the steering linkage. Many things can go wrong there, first there is the steering box that could have too much backlash in it and that can be adjusted. Then, it could be worn pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods and upper and lower ball joints. These can not be adjusted if they have excessive play in them and have to be replaced. Wheel bearings could also be worn out and best is to replace them if they have play in them. Checking for all of this is simple and even more simple if you have a helper to observe above items, jack up the front of the car and grab one tire firmly and move it a little side to side and look out for unusual movement, say, the steering knuckle moves but the tie rod stays kinda still and then moves along. Repeat for other side.

On your axle movement, my guess is that something is loose there too. Your axle has four links, connecting the axle to the frame and at the end of each of those links is a bushing. It sounds like these bushings are excessively worn and allow for a lot of movement under load. I really hope one of your links hasn't developed a crack because that will lead to disaster! Check this out and let me know.
_________________
Gudmundur Eyfells.
'68 El Camino
'69 El Camino
'04 Dodge Dakota

"I don't know where I'm going but they'll tell me when I get there."

CHVYPWR · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2003 6:28 am Post subject:

With the rear end shifting like that, I'd check what iceman mentioned, as well as check for any rusted out mounting areas. A friend of mine had a '78 in the early '90's, the frame was so rusted, it would allow thw rear end to kick out on every shift. Crawl under and give it a REAL close look over!
Your steering problem sounds like the classic signs of a bad steering box, follow what iceman said on that too. Thats something you want to catch before it's too late Wink

_________________
1978 El Camino Conquista/SS, F-41 suspension, 350/T5/3:73

(More pics on pg 6 of 5th gen members rides)

427chev67 · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2003 4:28 pm Post subject:

How are your tires? I once had a car that would wander all over the road. It turned out to be the crappy bias ply tires. The idler arm may be a suspect and while you're under there you should inspect the whole front end (ball joints, bearings, bushings and tie rods.) The rear end shift under acceleration sounds like a control arm bushing that's worn out.

FlyMX93 · Wrench Necoa #: 961 Joined: May 19, 2003 Posts: 39

The tires are brand new dunlop gt qualifiers all the way around....i believe the problem is the tie rod ends and ball joints are all worn out. Im gonna start on them....as for the rear, i cant see any cracks or rotted out frame members, so my guess is the bushings are done for.
_________________
'78 El Camino

ElkyPete · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2003 5:56 am Post subject:

I am guessing that you still have an open rear end, Peg Leg, Non-Posi? They do tend to favor one wheel on acceleration and the oppsite on deceleration especially when they get worn and start to pick up a little slop.

As far as the front end work, that really does need to be fixed asap.
_________________
Home Site: http://www.elcaminoplace.com
1972 El Camino Custom 400
1976 El Camino Classic
1980 El Camino Super Sport
E-Mail: engstrvr@sbcglobal.net