[axman61]

I thought I would replace my shocks with the KYB gas shocks. Fronts went on fine. I go to the rear...not so good. I had noticed during my previous work on the car, i.e. rear brakes, changing wheels etc., that the lower studs on the shocks were bent. I had always assumed that they had been damaged by road debris. Not the case at all. The spring plates had been replaced with something from another car. The flange with the hole where the shock passes through is nearly vertical, not angled toward the upper hole, so they drilled another hole for the stud. But it is so close the the nearly vertical flange that there is no room for the bushing and washer and that is why they bent the stud! Further, the hole centers for the U-bolts are too wide. Also the U-bolts are too long so they put spacers between the nuts and the spring plate. I really like the car but whoever worked on it before (I've had it about 2 years) either was a moron or just cobbled it together to sell.

[Ivy66GT]

Originally Posted by axman61

I really like the car but whoever worked on it before (I've had it about 2 years) either was a moron or just cobbled it together to sell.

Those two could be one and the same.

[axman61]

I think not. He was a very old guy. He would have had to pay the labor which would have made it a losing proposition. He probably was told of several issues by his mechanic and decided rather than fool with it he would just sell it. But anything is possible.

[gtjoe]

It sounds like you may not have the proper rear end in your car if the spring perches, shock mounts, and u-bolts are wrong. I suggest you get underneath your car and take some measurements. Then compare with what should be under your car. It also sounds like this is a fixable problem, just a hassle I'm sure you'd rather not have to deal with

[andrewmp6]

Look on the 3rd member bolts if there is a metal tag on it post the numbers on it we can decode it.The chances are they swapped rear ends or used the wrong parts for some dumb reason.

[axman61]

Can someone give me the correct distance between centers for the perches? Also, the correct bolt pattern for the spring plates as I may make some here at work. Any opinions on what is the best paint for springs as far as durability? Thanks in advance.