DeTomaso Mailing List: December 2000, Message #154

Dennis-

Good point!  And after much more inspection I've notice some things that
really raise even more concern.  First, I had assumed that the problem
was from age and stock bolts which I plan to convert to higher quality,
both on the bolts and the brackets anyway.  

Also, several months ago I had a four wheel alignment done.  During, the
alignment it was determined that the left rear bottom control arm had no
more available shims to remove.  Based on my post a few months ago, I
understood that this is common on cars this age where the rear end will
collapse in on itself.  But what was interesting was that this was just
on one side, the left side.  Further inspection reveals that it seems to
be just the top rear control arm mount on the left side that has
collapsed because it looks as though the rear left wheel is setting
further back in the wheel well then the right wheel.  (I hope you're
following this)  More then likely, I'm sure I'll be converting to
adjustable upper control arms for the rear in order to extend the top
control arms further.  This brings up another question.  Is it OK for
control arms to be different lengths? (not top to bottom which is
understood on this car, but right to left)

Also, the car is leaning to the left slightly. I would really like to
know the specs for the 4-wheel balance.  So I can determine if this is a
weight problem or a spring problem.  The shocks are Koni's but appear to
be rather old.  And remember, I've had this car since '83 and have the
same shocks.

Based on this new info can you or anyone comment further.

Thanks,

Chance Dorsey
#5365


"Antenucci, Dennis" wrote:
> 
> Chance,
> you need to address "why" it broke off....Was it just age and stock bolts
> and brackets? This is a big pre-track tech session find but usually occurs
> on "front" brackets...when was the last time you had the car 2-wheel
> aligned?  I would suspect you may have a 4-corner balance problem....We had
> the 4-corner scales and found some cars way off by as much as 200 lbs or
> more per corner or something like that....use billet sway bar brackets with
> good grade#8 bolts
> FWIW
> MD
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Chance Dorsey [SMTP:chance.dorsey@madbear.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2000 4:46 PM
> > To:   Multiple recipients of list
> > Subject:      Sway Bar Mounting Bolt Sheared Off
> >
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > One of my rear sway bar mounting bolts broke off.  I was curious if any
> > one on the forum has had to replace one of these.  It doesn't look like
> > you can remove it from the back.  So do I just grind it off and weld a
> > new bolt on or is there a secret fix for this that I don't know about.
> >
> > Chance "Looking for a reason to buy a MIG welder even if it's just to
> > weld a stikin' bolt on"  Dorsey
> >
> > #5365