Rear end problem

Lately it seems as if the rear axle on my 88 GT 'stang is moving around too freely. The left rear wheel is even coming into contact with the front part of the fender skirt when hitting a bump going around a left hand turn. I'm running stock springs and tires so clearance shouldn't be an issue. I've been under the car several times looking for anything worn or broken and I can't find a thing that looks bad. I've even taken the car down to two different mechanics and they say everything looks right to them as well. I know there's something wrong with the car but I can't fix it if I can't find it. I need some way to isolate this problem, anybody out there ever had a similar problem or know of some way to troubleshoot it.

Reply to
ironrod
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don't go to local mecahnic.. most aren't specailist in the mustang. there should be at least one guy who specializes in late 3rd generation cars within driving distance of your place. excessive wear on busing in the link set up can't be seen from the ground and most times not from the lift. have the car well supported (i prefer 4 jack stands on the ground) and use a long prybar (4ft or more) and try to flex rear one side at a time. you will probally find upper arms are worn.

Reply to
walt peifer

Might be an axle problem ? Did you lift the wheels off the ground and pulled on it to see if there is movement ? Also might be worn out (or gone) control arm bushings. How many miles ?

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Reply to
Rein

The rear axle housing is located by the laterally by the upper control arms. You really need to to ake them out to check them. Remove them one at a time, check the arm for cracks and bends, check the bushings, and the frame/housing mounts for cracks and bends. The stock rubber bushings do deteriorate in time. And the arms are [retty flimsy to begine with. Also, you might consider that the axle is sliding out of the housing. While it's up on jack stands, grab the wheel and pull outward. The will probably mo0ve a tad, but that should be all.

Reply to
boB

And stop driving it until it's fixed, duh.

Reply to
Mark

Have that bad boy towed to your nearest local ford dealer ASAP and have it checked out. If a dealer isnt available look around and find a reputable local shop. Possibly one that specialises in suspension work.

Dave

PS dont drive this car until fixed, my kids are on the streets too.

Reply to
DGRIFFITH4

I honestly dont think you need to tow it, there are a lot worse cars on the road just jack it and pull on the axles. make sure nothings gonna fall off. and get it to someone who you trust to inspect the car right.Drive it there just dont drive like an indy driver I have seen lots of mustangs with broken/bent suspension components. its kind of the nature of the beast when it comes to a subframe car with too much tourque. A question though, have you hit any curbs or any thing along the lines of that? I have owned several foxbody stangs and they have all been different from each other(not one rode the same as any other) the worst one i had was a 84 GT that someone along the way had spun out into a curb, bending the axle shaft and housing the rear was replaced but the symptoms persisted of a bad vibe

Reply to
Only84

Replace the upper control arms and the bushings in the axle. If the c=clips were gone the axle would have come out by now. Lower control arm replacement is easy would recommend doing them at the same time.

Reply to
Hooked 87

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