axles

[jawdoc]

I have a 1971 Newport with a 440 stroker, mild cam and high-stall converter.

I think the right axle is bent. Im going to replace both this winter. Any ideas of where to get them?

Dave

 

[1978 NYB]

Welcome! Nice car!

Strange Engineering.......it's near Chicago.

http://www.strangeengineering.net/

 

[commando1]

I have never seem a bent axle in my life. Check the bearings.
But my money is on the rim.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Thats true it would take a heck of a curb shot most of which the tire and wheel will yield to

 

[jawdoc]

No vibration from 1-50MPH then shaking in the rear from 50 and up.
New wheels did not fix the problem.
Probably bearings?

 

[Fratzog]

When the bearings on the Polara went with similar symptoms there was also a whining noise in the rear end.

 

[commando1]

No vibration from 1-50MPH then shaking in the rear from 50 and up.
New wheels did not fix the problem.
Probably bearings?

Bearings, shocks, U-joints, drive shaft imbalance...
Even the brakes. I've had people other C-body owners say they finally tracked the vibration down by doing the rear brakes.
The axle should still be last on the list.

 

[Big_John]

I'd check the axle before buying one. It's easy enough to check axle run out with a dial indicator.

My money is on the driveshaft or U-joint. Have the driveshaft checked for balance and staightness. I've twisted driveshafts that look fine until you really check them and the alignment of the yokes is off. It caused the same issue you're having.

 

[jawdoc]

I'd check the axle before buying one. It's easy enough to check axle run out with a dial indicator.

My money is on the driveshaft or U-joint. Have the driveshaft checked for balance and staightness. I've twisted driveshafts that look fine until you really check them and the alignment of the yokes is off. It caused the same issue you're having.

Cool thats easy enough to check. Just in case, where did you get a replacement drive shaft?

 

[1978 NYB]

Before you do anything else......

How old are the tires? I had 10 year old tires on my NYB when I bought it and I had terrible vibration on the drive home. New tires, front bearing repack, and an alignment and the vibration was gone.......even at 110 mph.

 

[Big_John]

Cool thats easy enough to check. Just in case, where did you get a replacement drive shaft?

Driveshaft shop in Syracuse. It was named Universal Joint Sales. It's now a Fleetpride owned shop and I understand it's still a good place, but I haven't used them since it was sold to Fleetpride.

 

[commando1]

Big John, he shouldn't need a replacement drive shaft , should he? I just had mine balanced. Balance, new U-joints, took a little over an hour while I waited, 110 bucks.
How can you beat that.

 

[Big_John]

Big John, he shouldn't need a replacement drive shaft , should he? I just had mine balanced. Balance, new U-joints, took a little over an hour while I waited, 110 bucks.
How can you beat that.

That is like a sore dick. You can't beat it.

If it just needs to be rebalanced, then it is just a matter of rebalancing and maybe some new U-joints. In my case, the shaft was twisted about 10° and the yokes were no longer aligned. At that point, you pony up for a new one.

 

[commando1]

In my case, the shaft was twisted about 10°

Holy crap.......

 

[Big_John]

Yea, much more than that and they kink up.

Bent both of those on street tires too....

 

[jawdoc]

ok I took the suggestion of somebody here and I removed the driveshaft and re-installed it 180deg. No more vibration!!!
Seems as when the engine shop removed the driveshaft, they installed it wrong.
Love the easy fixes!!!!