Hey all, I started playing with the 51 again. I started trying to get the TCI 4
link set in place and if it is not one thing it's another. I have a 70 GM 12
bolt rearend that I welded the 4 link brackets on back in Feb. I had to force
the bolts through the link bushings and it was tight. I know the
drill...measure and remeasure. Well I hate to admit it but, I welded in the
brackets 36" center, they should have been 35" center. I had the frame brackets
in place and you have to force the bolts through them which creates a pretty
good angle for the 4 link bushings. I think that would cause premature bushing
failure and submit the rear supension componants to more stress than desired.
SO question is, should I cut out the brackets and order new ones to reweld
right or would notching the frame a 1/2" on each side of the frame where the
brackets go to set them outbourd be an option? If I did this I would also have
to shave some of the bottem of the frame to avoid rubbing the upper
link. Or will this 1 inch off not really hurt?
While on the subject, I have a rear axle center measurement of 36 3/4" from
the back of the frame. This mark is sort of in between the 2 rear bolt holes of
where the rear axle bumber mounts to the frame.
I also have about an 1/8" out of square on the frame. I don't think this will
pose a problem, I've seen worse on other trucks in the past. My main concern is
the 1" off on the axle brackets.
Steve Stuckmeyer
51 3100
St Peters, MO
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