junk in the trunk of my 71

[allknowingbald1]

When i tend to hit bumps in the road the back end feels like trying to replicate a shakira video... and is obviously worse at higher speeds. MSA sway bars were added by the previous owner and i've ordered the energy suspension urethane bushing set. will the bushings cure my booty shake or is it something else?

[Bambikiller240]

Is the rear end moving around side to side or up and down? I would suspect bad struts before I'd suspect the bushings to be the cause, but 30 yr old bushings are usually in need of replacement anyway. It would seem to me that if the bushings were the sole cause, that this would occur without hitting bumps, in other words; it would occur in normal driving and changing directions on smooth roads. In order for the suspension to work properly, ALL components of the suspension must be in good condition.

[allknowingbald1]

it's a side to side shake. it almost feels like the rear drivetrain is moving independantly of the rest of the car.

[Bambikiller240]

I don't know how much you know about Z's or your experience in working on them, but have you carefully examined the rear suspension to see if anything is damaged or loose? Does the car have aftermarket strut inserts that are significantly stiffer than stock that might be transmitting every liitle bump more than a stock (softer) suspension might ?

[allknowingbald1]

not sure.... just got it on the 7th. my first lady.... as for getting under the car, i haven't had the opportunity yet. Been too damn cold. The first things on the upgrade list is the suspension equipment (buying now, installing when i'll be able to feel my hands!)

[Bambikiller240]

ah yes. Illinois, winter, gotcha!

If you will be driving the car (hopefully not in snow and salted roads) you might want to have a shop put it on a lift and inspect the rear just to be sure something isn't going to fall off before you can work on the car. Safety first and all that.

[allknowingbald1]

i have a few moderate things i want to do this weekend so i'll climb under and give it a once over. I'd like to just do all the suspension and tire/wheel stuff at onceso i don't have to have it aligned multiple times. I'm just thinking it might be a combination of worn components.

[Ed]

You could take it to an allignment shop that offers lifetime allignments (Firestone). Have them put it on the rack and when they give it the once over they will give you a list of why it won't allign. Say thank-you, I'll bring it back when I can and take the car home and fix it. Then when your done you can take it back to the shop and get your allignment. This will work for any work you do on the suspension. I use my lifetime once a year.

[allknowingbald1]

good thinkin, i forgot about that!