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-   -   Bent right suspension??? (https://blazerforum.com/forum/suspension-tech-12/bent-right-suspension-78534/)

lityjohn701 04-10-2013 10:22 PM

Bent right suspension???
 
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Blazer was wrecked before we bought it. Don't think the frame is bent but now with the new wheels this is noticeable. Font sway bar bolt is bent on the side it was wrecked and isn't straight up from the lower a arm mount not sure what wrong with it. Here some pics. The left side (point of view from front of blazer) is In way more than the right side

lityjohn701 04-10-2013 10:24 PM

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On my iPad and don't know hot to inset more than one pic this is the right side sorry!

Diaita 04-11-2013 01:47 PM

Might be worth bringing it to an alignment shop, they have the tools to set it up properly. A bad wheel bearing will make the tire lean in a little too.

lityjohn701 04-11-2013 02:03 PM

I doesn't look like its leaning but I'm no pro! Well be taking it to the shop for an alignment soon ill put up a pic of the front sway bar also

lityjohn701 04-11-2013 05:04 PM

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This is the side that is in more isn't the sway bar supposed to be right under the hole for the bolt

rexazz2 04-11-2013 05:31 PM

It could be an optical illusion depending on the body alignment
Like Diata said , take it to a reputable alignment shop if your concerned

And yes that sway bar link kit is bent , they are less than $20 to replace

Diaita 04-11-2013 05:40 PM

The bent link may be a part that was forgotten when it was repaired, but the alignment of the A-arm and the sway bar don't look to be too far off.

lityjohn701 04-11-2013 05:50 PM

So should I just get a sway bar from a local pull a part?

rexazz2 04-11-2013 06:51 PM

sway bar itself is spring steel so it should be ok
You can clearly see the sway bar link itself is bent , the bolt that runs threw it should be perfectly straight

Diaita 04-11-2013 06:55 PM

You just need the link, it's the vertical bolt and bushings that connect the sway bar to the lower control arm. An auto parts store should have one.

lityjohn701 04-12-2013 07:28 AM

So what should I do about them not being lined up

rexazz2 04-12-2013 05:38 PM

I think its more the bolt being bent than something being out of alignment

The sway bar floats where it is mounted to the frame
It would be possible that it is shifted to one side or the other because the link kit is bent
I would replace the link kit on both sides and after a little bit of driving it will center itself again
The sway bar does nothing to your wheel alignment, it only trys to make the opposite wheel react the same way when you go over bumps or uneven terrain

BTW I have seen tow truck drivers hook on to areas and do damage just like that

Captain Hook 04-12-2013 09:08 PM

The sway bar itself does not affect alignment however, it is under tension when you connect the sway bar end links & bushings to it. The tension increases chassis ride height slightly. When chassis ride height changes, so does camber and toe. As mentioned, after you replace the links, it would be a good idea to have an alignment shop and/or frame shop take a look at it to make sure there is no structural damage. Have them check "front chassis ride height" before the alignment, and "set back" after the alignment.

lityjohn701 04-13-2013 09:10 AM

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Actually the right side seems to be brand new this is how we bought it. So what's your guys thoughts about how the wheel I in more on the side that bent?

Captain Hook 04-13-2013 09:16 AM

Could be an alignment issue, worn or bent parts, frame damage, and/or body misalignment. The sway bar end link needs to be replaced, but it will not affect where the wheels are positioned, you'll need an alignment shop or frame shop to check it out.

EDIT: Must have been a rookie working on it. The driver side link is missing the spacer, (you can see the spacer on the right side) you'll need both new links. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...+bar+end+links When you install them, put the bolt head on top and the excess threads pointing downward. It allows more clearance for the tie rod when turning.

lityjohn701 04-13-2013 10:35 AM

Thanks for the replies everybody! Really appreciate it this is my first car and all this just a little confusing!

rexazz2 04-13-2013 01:07 PM


Originally Posted by Captain Hook (Post 578985)
EDIT: Must have been a rookie working on it. The driver side link is missing the spacer, (you can see the spacer on the right side) you'll need both new links.

Missing a washer also :icon_saywhat: some have a clearly visable spacer
here is a link to what it should look like https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...71/#post578310

I like to turn the bolt the threads up , only because I had a really low Toyota and the threaded end would hook the track in the car wash

Captain Hook 04-13-2013 01:52 PM

Toyota??? Yup, that's a problem ;) I stick the threads down and cut off the excess. I'd rather not take the chance of it binding up the steering linkage. When the suspension compresses and the wheels are turned, could be a problem ;)

lityjohn701 04-13-2013 02:25 PM

Soo just got to looking and both passenger wheels are in and both drivers side wheels are sticking out now what!?

Captain Hook 04-13-2013 02:27 PM

Better have a frame shop take a look. Have them take some measurements and see what's going on.

rexazz2 04-13-2013 04:57 PM


Originally Posted by Captain Hook (Post 579019)
Toyota??? Yup, that's a problem ;) I stick the threads down and cut off the excess. I'd rather not take the chance of it binding up the steering linkage. When the suspension compresses and the wheels are turned, could be a problem ;)

It was a $600 Toyota Paseo that I drove like it was stolen LOL
It would be funnier if you have ever seen me because of my size
I loved that car after all it was a "sporty" tercel LOL


Originally Posted by lityjohn701 (Post 579024)
Soo just got to looking and both passenger wheels are in and both drivers side wheels are sticking out now what!?


Originally Posted by Captain Hook (Post 579025)
Better have a frame shop take a look. Have them take some measurements and see what's going on.


I assume the wheels/tires are matching sizes and brands side to side because that also could make things look off

You said its your first car so you have two options drive it and see what happens as far as tire wear or if you are really worried about it it will need to go to a frame shop for exact measurements

lityjohn701 04-13-2013 08:07 PM

Yes there all same pro pomp extreme at 31 10 50s with weld typhoons

rexazz2 04-13-2013 08:19 PM

check your body mounts for signs of something shifted

lityjohn701 04-13-2013 10:17 PM

I though they were fixed? I there slack in the bolts?

rexazz2 04-14-2013 09:05 AM


Originally Posted by lityjohn701 (Post 579081)
I though they were fixed? I there slack in the bolts?

there should be no slack but if they are leaning it would explain the situation you have
Its highly unlikely but you just never know

lityjohn701 04-14-2013 08:18 PM

O alright I don't think they are. We still have to cut the fenders before we take it to the shop cause you can't turn the wheels!

lityjohn701 04-15-2013 07:16 PM

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Here's the rear tires

lityjohn701 04-15-2013 07:16 PM

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Other side

Captain Hook 04-15-2013 10:11 PM

Looks a little funky to me. Should be able to tell for sure on an alignment rack. Rear toe and camber should be zero degrees, thrust angle should be less than .25 degrees.

lityjohn701 04-16-2013 07:27 AM

After we get the fenders cut and flares on we're taking it to the shop first thing!


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