71BossPrototype
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2010
- Messages
- 91
- Reaction score
- 3
- Location
- Wisconsin & Florida
- My Car
- 1971 Boss 351 (Med. Metallic Blue and Argent)
1971 Boss 302/351 (Ford's singular regular production 1971 G-code Car, Grabber Yellow and Black)
I am restoring a '71 fastback and wondering if anyone ever had this kind of problem? I am just finishing putting together this 71 project car, which I purchased in pieces. The car came from the P.O. with all new front suspension pieces including upper a-arms and lower control arms, springs, etc. Most of the pieces were decent looking but typical off-shore stuff, and from about 10 years ago. The springs were painted blue, and I have no idea who made them. They were tough to compress, but fit into place well.
Anyway, my problem is that whether I use the new KYB shocks that came with the project, or a pair of cheapie standard replacement shocks that I picked up (but specifically for 71 mustang) the top rubber bushing compresses when I raise the car, and the top steel washer actually cuts it like a cookie-cutter. That is, the top washer starts to cut right through it, and even the underside of the top rubber is also cutting itself through the hole in the shock tower cap. However, when the car is not lifted, and is just sitting on the ground, the A-arm is straight out and level with the pavement.
When the car is raised the last 3 or four inches of lift necessary to get the tires off the ground, the bushings flatten out like chewing gum into little flat tires! I have tried several different size and thickness of bushings, with the same results. The bushings are ruined after one lift with the jack.
Also, when the car sitting without jacking, the shock is fully extended and there is really no travel left to allow any upward movement of the body beyond the resting position. It isn't in any bind at that point, just has nothing left for upward movement or bounce.
Any help would be appreciated. I have not yet had this car on the road. Just trying to get to that point -Andy
Anyway, my problem is that whether I use the new KYB shocks that came with the project, or a pair of cheapie standard replacement shocks that I picked up (but specifically for 71 mustang) the top rubber bushing compresses when I raise the car, and the top steel washer actually cuts it like a cookie-cutter. That is, the top washer starts to cut right through it, and even the underside of the top rubber is also cutting itself through the hole in the shock tower cap. However, when the car is not lifted, and is just sitting on the ground, the A-arm is straight out and level with the pavement.
When the car is raised the last 3 or four inches of lift necessary to get the tires off the ground, the bushings flatten out like chewing gum into little flat tires! I have tried several different size and thickness of bushings, with the same results. The bushings are ruined after one lift with the jack.
Also, when the car sitting without jacking, the shock is fully extended and there is really no travel left to allow any upward movement of the body beyond the resting position. It isn't in any bind at that point, just has nothing left for upward movement or bounce.
Any help would be appreciated. I have not yet had this car on the road. Just trying to get to that point -Andy