Hi,

I have a 66 Fairlane (auto trans if it matters) that is pulling really bad to the side when you accelerate, and then again (back the other way) when you let off the gas. I have on order - sway bar bushings, sway bar link kit and control arm bushings. But this seems worse than just worn out bushings. Any suggestions on what it might be, what I should check? I am going to check out the motor mounts, it's a 302 and the original engine was a 289.

Thanks,
Rob

Gotta rule out all front end parts. Control arm bushings should have plugs or grease fittings if the style I recall. Also, ball joint check is with body lifted (I think) not just under control arm. Check both ways anyway.

Sway bar shouldn't be the problem but check it too. Wondering if this is PS related?? Will it steer itself with just engine revved up a bit or moving along with no load (neutral) with engine speed change?

Strut bushings, rear leaf spring front bolt+bushings, rusty torque boxes of undercarrage/frame? Do check motor and trans mountings.

Check wheel bearing freeplay in front also. Drum fronts might be able to drag if loose,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Because you say this pull is really bad when you accelerate; I would be taking a long close look at the rear suspension. Like Tom said rear control arm bushings, the frame for rust at the control arm mounts; something back there is likely allowing the rear wheel tracking to change, under the load of acceleration.


Dan.

Canadian "EH"

http://www.woodyg.com/...frame/rearframe.html

To add some more on this.....
That is a neat link on rear frame repair showing leaf spring. The front of a leaf spring is taking all the pushing and pulling forces of the rear differential. The back of that spring is a shackle which mostly controls height and is allowed to swing on shackles as spring length changes with loads. The swing action is normal but if the front of it can move either the rubber bushing worn badly or metal problems where it mounts will severely affect the directional control of the car feeling like the rear is on ice or steering from the back which in that severe case it is!

May not be that. Some of these cars were "Muscles Cars" and really stressed that area of the rear spring. I'm calling that area the "torque box" as that's also where you would hoist the car and they did have a bad habit of rusting right there. Again - might not be the case but worth knowing it's strong,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Cool, thanks guys. I appreciate the input, this gives me a lot to go on. I'll be a busy guy this weekend.

Rob

I just wanted to reply with what was wrong with the car. There were a few things. First and main thing was that the u-bolts were loose on the back axle! It also seems like the bushings in the leaf springs are shot, so that's next. But the u-bolts were the main cause once I replaced those it was like 95% better.

Rob