Suspension Problem (with pictures)
 

Ok, 7 months ago (before I deployed), I was cut off by an eclipse (that i beat the other day in a race) who slammed his brakes on me. I ended up doing a 90* turn at about 30 MPH onto one of those parking-lot-curb things (sloped at like 30*,etc). Well the front end hit it fine, but the right rear hit it straight on and I heard a snapping sound. Since then Ive noticed whenever i hit a bump, or the car jostles side to side, I hear what sounds like something thunking against the suspension well in the right rear. What could this possibly be?

I have taken the wheel off and grabbed the shock, it didnt move, didnt grab the spring. I'm thinking either I broke a bolt in the shock tower, broke a spring perch, or snapped something in my UCA. Any other ideas are grealty appreciated.

Also, I joined a car club, and I need to run 13.9 or better on the 1/4 to be in it (Fast Ford Crew, Jacksonville, NC) Granted, on D/Rs I ran 12.2 - but that was with a fully functional car - should I be able to do it with my suspension being jacked up? Bear in mind I have to get the times done before Jan 18th, and I might not have the $$ to fix the suspension before then. Thanks.

RE: Suspension Problem
 

I wouldn't risk any kinds of speed with potential problems in your suspension.

RE: Suspension Problem
 

tis my only car sadly, and it handles fine on the street, aside from that annoying noise - havent noticed reduced performance on cornering, and when pushing down on my quarter panels, both sides push about evenly..... thats whats driving me nuts...
I plan on getting it in the air and looking at it before doing anything (once I get home) Ill be taking pics too...

RE: Suspension Problem
 

Dude take it to a dealership or alignment shop and have it checked out,it may be something simple or it may save your life or serious hurt.Id have a word or 2 with the douche bag that wrecked you too...................Happy holidaze

RE: Suspension Problem
 

Well.. with out hearing it Im not sure... but i have a problem with mine... the drivers side exaust is pushed in a bit causing the exaust pipe to "bang" against the rear sway bar, this is a noise heard when going over a bump... look at your exaust tips.... are they even?? I found this out by having a buddy "bounce" the back of the car while i watched underneath! worth a shot! (if i understand your description of the noise correctly)

RE: Suspension Problem
 

Love those wheels Smallfeesh

RE: Suspension Problem
 

Thanx... they are Cobra R wheels.. aftermarket, (I have switched outthesnake center caps for SVT center caps since that pic)however I don't really like them... I wan't to switch them out for 18" black 03 Cobra rims... I am afraid though that the car will not look as good... it looks sick with those rims on it... I have honestly really grown accostomed to them! But the rears are too narrow i can't put wide enouph tires on them... it does have the extenders on it however so they don't look that narrow, but the rear tires are the same size as the front.

RE: Suspension Problem
 

exhaust tips are even, im driving back home tonight, ill get it on a lift in a day or two

RE: Suspension Problem
 

well, I went to the shoptoday and took my wheel off. and felt around my suspension. the spring perches are in place, no bolts are broken on the UCA/LCA, I took the trunk liner out, and the shock is still attached at the top. the shock had no play (left/right), spring moved a little when i tugged on it.... bushings look like they're pretty worn. I'll be posting some pictures soon... but the tech guys there at the hobby shop said it could be bad bushings or weak springs... could either of these cause my suspension to groan/knock?

--Driving it now, ive noticed most of the "knock" sound is gone, but the suspension creaks under pressure, e.g. coming out of a sloped driveway, etc

I have not noticed a problem with the handling of the car, though I haven't been doing hard cornering or drag racing yet (I plan on it this weekend)

I also noticed that there was wear marks from the top of the axle hitting the exhaust pipes... is this normal?

RE: Suspension Problem
 

Upper Spring Perch
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...pringperch.jpg
Right Rear Suspension
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Suspension.jpg
Left Rear Suspension
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Suspension.jpg