Robert Carley asks:
> While rebuilding my front suspension, I noticed that both of the 'side
> brace sub-assemblies', that is, the bars that run from the frame up to
> brace the 'turret assemblies' on the front suspension are both kinked a
> little, right where they join the turret assemblies.
...
> I also noticed that there was unequal placement of shims where the lower
> wishbones bolt to the frame.
Dave replies:
> It would be best if you could have the frame straightened here...
...
> Have you thoroughly inspected the rest of the
> frame? It may be damaged elsewhere, too. Is there any buckling at all
> right where the frame rails, aft of the front suspension, curve outward?
>>
> You should definitely have a frame shop look at it but, if the damage (if
> any) isn't severe, you might be better off just living with the extra
shims
> and spending the money on something else.
I'd agree with everything Dave said, and add a few comments. Even after a
frame has been straightened on a frame machine, there may still be some
traces of buckling evident at the point where the frame was kinked. So it
is possible that the damage was repaired, although the suspension
irregularity seems to indicate that it was not. Your best indication of
whether you have a serious problem is going to be tire wear. If you are
experiencing uneven or rapid wear, you should have the frame straightened
soon. If not, then the shims and tie rod ends are probably compensating for
the damage, and you can just wait and have it fixed the next time you have
the body off the frame ;-)
Dan Julien
'72 TR6
Austin, Texas
djulien@mail.utexas.edu
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