Re: IML: 68 front suspenion

[randalpark@xxxxxxx]

This truly sounds like nothing more than a typical botched front end 
rebuild on a Torsion Bar Imperial. I ended up with the identical 
situation when I foolishly allowed a local Sears Auto Repair to work on 
my '65 Imperial 25 years ago. I had to search a long time to find a 
qualified shop to fix the problem. NO shop touches the front suspension 
of any of my cars, ESPECIALLY the Imperials, until I am absolutely 
certain that they are capable before hand. They require special skills 
and tools to do the job right.

If you live in the Seattle area, I know of ONE good shop. I will share 
if you write me off list.

Paul W.


-----Original Message-----
From: bobsmopar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 6:30 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 68 front suspenion

Hi.
It sits higher on the right side but the adjusters are up all the way.
All the front end work was done while the car was apart and the rubber 
isolators were all good at that time.
Before the tare down I did not have the problem that I am having now I 
did have to have the shop redo the bottom ball joints they put them in 
upside down.
I tried to find the right size rebound bumpers but I could not them so 
I used the old ones that are not all that good.
I put in new shocks but I could not find heavy duty ones I am thinking 
about kys ones.
The front end kit that I used is from up-so-to.
The pitman are is the one that came on the car but it did not look bad 
ball end was tight I am going to try to find one this spring.
No it does not bounce when I move it up and down.
Thank you for your help
Bob
68 imperial
----- Original Message -----
From: Frederick Joslin
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 3:17 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 68 front suspenion


Rob:
Does you car sit low in the front? If the height is close to normal I 
would suggest that the torsion bars need replacing.

When you say you replaced the "power box-upper and lower ball 
joints-outer tie rods-all the bushings-idler arm-shocks" was that 
during the complete rebuild 5 years ago or since then?
How old is the Pitman arm? If the adjusting cams were installed 
incorrectly is it possible that other things were not done correctly.
One thing which could help is getting "tougher" rebound bumpers. This 
is not a fix, but it is better to bottom out against a good urethane 
bumper than an old rubber one. Also new better stiffer shocks may help 
control the front end and avoid the bottoming. Are the shocks in good 
condition? Does the front end bounce after you let go if you move it up 
and down?

I know that my 69 Lebaron has the rubber isolated subframe at the 
front. I believe yours does also. Could this be causing any of the 
problems?

Finally cars of this design will bottom out if you go over a bad bump 
too fast no matter how good the front end is and the steering tightness 
will be nothing like a new vehicle with rack and pinion steering.








----- Original Message -----
From: "robert hanekamp"
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: 68 front suspenion
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 09:05:14 -0500

Hi all.
5 years ago I rebuilt my 68 Imperial from the ground up and I have been 
having a problem with front end ever since.
When I hit a bump in the road the front end bottoms out and hits the 
frame.
I had a guy at a local repair shop tell me that when I had the lower 
control arms rebuilt that they must have put the adjusting cams back on 
in the wrong spot .
And that is why I am having this problem I have the adjusting bolts on 
both sides all adjusted all the way up.
Also I have a lot of play in the steering I have replaced the power 
box-upper and lower ball joints-outer tie rods-all the bushings-idler 
arm-shocks-.
I am planning to drive out to Arizona this summer to see my future 
wife's daughter and try to meet some of the people on the list that 
live out there.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Bob
1968 Imperial crown convertible



Fred Joslin
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